Fred Matiang’i’s political ambitions may have hit a major roadblock after a vocal legislator from Nyanza opened fire with threats of legal action. Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo on Thursday accused the former Interior Cabinet Secretary of overseeing mass killings and enabling a dark chapter in Kenya’s security history. The MP declared he is initiating legal proceedings against Matiang’i for his role in the infamous River Yala killings, in which dozens of tortured bodies were discovered between 2021 and 2022. The bold move could mark a setback for Matiang’i ahead of the 2027 elections. Elisha Odhiambo's call for legal action is now building momentum, with several civil society organizations rallying behind the move. If successful, the case could expose one of the darkest stains on Kenya’s human rights record and derail Matiang’i’s return to politics. [Photo: Courtesy] Setback for Matiang'i as MP Elisha Odhiambo Demands Justice Over River Yala Killings In a strong statement issued on July 3, MP Elisha Odhiambo did not mince his words. He described Matiang’i as unfit for public office due to his role in the River Yala killings , which saw hundreds of mutilated bodies dumped in the Gem Constituency.
“Being the MP for the area, I have been deeply disturbed by the arrogance and contempt with which former Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang’i dismissed concerns about the killings,” Odhiambo stated.
The MP said the killings occurred under Matiang’i’s direct watch as the head of internal security. He accused the former CS of gross negligence and complicity, noting that families of the victims have never received justice.
Matiang’i was in charge of the Ministry of Interior when over 400 bodies were recovered from River Yala between mid-2021 and early 2022. Investigations revealed that the bodies showed signs of torture, beatings, and execution-style killings. Many of the victims were unidentified, raising suspicion that they were extrajudicially killed by rogue police officers.
Odhiambo said the silence and inaction from Matiang’i during that time was unacceptable. “He cannot walk free while families still mourn their loved ones. He must answer for this.” Legal and Political Consequences Loom The MP announced that he will be filing a formal petition to bar Matiang’i from contesting any public office, including the presidency in 2027. He said Matiang’i’s failure to act during his tenure makes him unsuitable for leadership.
He also revealed plans to push Parliament to summon Matiang’i for questioning and open a public inquiry into the River Yala killings.
“Further, we are considering putting pressure on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to institute mass murder charges against Matiang’i and all those who worked with him, including members of the now-disbanded Special Service Unit (SSU),” Odhiambo added.
The SSU police unit, widely blamed for enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions, was dismantled by President William Ruto soon after taking office. Human rights groups claim the unit operated with impunity and had protection from senior officials in the Ministry of Interior.
Odhiambo said the country cannot move forward if justice is not served. “Those who committed crimes against innocent Kenyans must be held accountable. It’s the only way to restore public confidence in the police and security institutions.” Matiang’i Responds but Faces Public Pressure Fred Matiang’i , who recently hinted at running for president in 2027, has denied the allegations. In an interview on Citizen TV, he defended his record and claimed that investigations into the River Yala killings were ongoing when he left office.
“I didn’t leave with the file,” he said. “This was a police matter, and I am willing to testify before a judge and share what I know.”
However, his explanation has failed to calm critics like Odhiambo, who insist the former CS used his position to shield rogue officers and silence investigations.
Amnesty International and other rights groups have supported the MP’s call for accountability, noting that no meaningful progress has been made in identifying the victims or prosecuting those responsible. Many of the families have also voiced frustration over delays and lack of communication from the authorities.
Elisha Odhiambo's call for legal action is now building momentum, with several civil society organizations rallying behind the move. If successful, the case could expose one of the darkest stains on Kenya’s human rights record and derail Matiang’i’s return to politics. Setback for Matiang’i may just be the beginning of a broader reckoning within Kenya’s security sector. As Odhiambo puts it, “There is no future without justice. And there is no justice without truth.”
With pressure mounting from both political and civil circles, the spotlight is back on the River Yala tragedy—and on the man who was supposed to prevent it.