Matiang'i Pens a Farewell Letter as His Tour of Duty Comes to an End

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has penned a farewell letter as his five-year reign at the powerful ministry comes to an end.

In the 1,063-word letter dated September 9th, Matiang’i disputed claims that security agencies attempted to subvert the will of the people in the August 9th general election.

He indicates that security personnel worked closely with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to deliver free and fair election, adding that the Supreme Court did not find the security organs culpable of any wrongdoing.

“Despite immense criticism, scorn and false accusations of scheming to manipulate and interfere with the General Election, our sector put up a stellar and professional performance in supporting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct the General Election. This has been lauded by election observers and Kenya's Development Partners,” says the CS in a letter addressed to all security officials.

He added: “The just-concluded Presidential petitions and the subsequent ruling did not indict our expansive team across the country of any wrongdoing. This affirms our collective professionalism and due diligence to duty.”

He further assures the country that the handing over of power to the next administration will also be conducted with utmost professionalism.

“Equally, it is my conviction that those tasked with facilitating the smooth transition to the next administration will exhibit similar professionalism,” he says.

Matiang’i, who has served in four different ministries under the Jubilee administration, thanks President Kenyatta for according him the opportunity to serve Kenyans. 

"In the life of a man, there is nothing nobler than being called to serve your country…As my tour of duty comes to an end, I exult in the pride of knowing that we have not only honored expectations but exceeded them by important and evident milestones. History will vindicate our legacy,” he says.

He cites tackling the triple threats of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), teenage pregnancies and sexual violence as well as improvements in service delivery of essential services such as the issuance of IDs, passports, and motor vehicle registration as some of his major achievements. Others are the war against terrorism, extremism, and organized crime.

“Our multi-agency approach to security and the war against terrorism, extremism and organized crime has borne evident fruits. The number of tenor attacks have reduced dramatically. Our towns are safer and open to business for longer hours. Visitors can now travel to all parts of our country free of fear,” he adds.