This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
Uhuru's Visit to Ailing Matiba Contradicts His Praise for Police ¶
December 7, 2017
President Uhuru Kenyatta's visit to ailing politician Kenneth Matiba at the Nairobi Hospital has sparked controversy, given his recent praise for police officers who dealt with anti-government protesters.
Uhuru's statement, which described the police action as 'a job-well-done,' has been met with criticism from many Kenyans, who see it as an insult to Matiba and others who suffered at the hands of police during the Moi regime.
Matiba, a veteran politician and former FORD Asili leader, was incarcerated, tortured, and maimed by police during the Moi dictatorship. His visit to Matiba's hospital room, just days after praising police officers for their actions, has been seen as a contradiction of Uhuru's words.
Leaders from the opposition National Super Alliance (NASA), including Raila Odinga, Paul Muite, and James Orengo, have visited Matiba in hospital, and their actions have been seen as a show of solidarity and respect for the ailing politician.
Uhuru's visit to Matiba has been seen as an attempt to impress some people, but it has only served to highlight the contradictions in his actions as Commander in Chief and his praise for police officers who dealt with anti-government protesters.
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