Matiang’i Hits Out at Ruto Administration Over ‘Wash Wash’ Scandals and Rising Crime Networks
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has sharply criticized President William Ruto’s government, accusing it of losing control over crucial national issues such as security, corruption, and governance.
Matiang’i said the country is witnessing a disturbing rise in abductions, the comeback of organized crime, and leadership failures that have left many Kenyans feeling unsafe and unheard.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on Wednesday, Matiang’i claimed that the Kenya Kwanza administration has failed to uphold order and accountability in government operations.
He also raised concerns about Kenya’s weakening foreign relations, saying the country’s global reputation is suffering due to poor leadership and negligence in handling sensitive matters.
He highlighted recent reports of Kenyan citizens being abducted in neighboring countries, including the recent case involving activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who were allegedly kidnapped in Kampala, Uganda.
Matiang’i condemned the government’s silence on the issue, saying it reflects a dangerous level of complacency among senior officials.
“It’s shameful what’s happening in our country,” Matiang’i said. “Citizens like Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo are being arrested by a neighbouring government, and yet our own officials, including the Foreign Affairs Minister, cannot even say where they are. This shows how deeply our systems have failed.”
When asked about similar abduction cases that occurred during his own tenure as Interior CS, Matiang’i insisted that every government must take responsibility for ongoing injustices and not hide behind excuses.
“Look at the issue of River Yala, where people have lost their lives and investigations remain incomplete. It’s the government’s duty—any government—to pursue the truth and hold those responsible to account. If the evidence points to the Interior Minister, then so be it. Let the law take its full course,” he added.
Corruption and ‘Wash Wash’ Networks
Matiang’i went on to accuse the Ruto government of double standards in fighting corruption, saying it had allowed criminal enterprises and money laundering cartels to flourish.
He claimed that the lack of firm action against corruption has created an environment where illicit businesses and “wash wash” networks operate freely.
The former CS warned that Kenya continues to appear on international watchlists for money laundering and terrorism financing, blaming the problem on weak law enforcement and lax oversight from regulatory bodies.
“It’s embarrassing that Kenya is still seen as a high-risk country for money laundering,” he said. “This shows that the agencies responsible for financial integrity are asleep on the job. We are losing credibility internationally because of poor governance.”
Education in Crisis
Turning his attention to the education sector, Matiang’i criticized the government for what he called the “collapse of discipline and progress” in schools and universities. He lamented that thousands of students are stranded due to the ongoing lecturers’ strike, which has now lasted over 40 days.
“The progress we achieved at Jogoo House has been completely undone,” Matiang’i said. “We had restored discipline, reduced exam cheating, and raised academic standards. But today, corruption, poor leadership, and confusion have returned. It’s painful to see the education system going backward.”
He accused the current administration of neglecting higher learning institutions and failing to provide a clear plan to resolve the strike, saying this shows a lack of commitment to Kenya’s future generations.
Gun Ownership and Security Concerns
Matiang’i also raised alarm over the government’s failure to enforce strict gun control measures, warning that the lax approach to firearm licensing could endanger public safety.
He said the government’s reluctance to conduct proper mental assessments before issuing gun licenses has led to a rise in cases of violent crimes, suicides, and homicides involving licensed gun owners.
“We are now seeing a worrying trend where people with legal firearms are misusing them because there are no serious checks in place,” Matiang’i explained. “The system has become careless, and that is dangerous for everyone.”
In his closing remarks, Matiang’i urged the government to act decisively in restoring discipline, accountability, and integrity across all sectors. He emphasized that Kenya’s leadership must prioritize national security, justice, and economic stability over political rhetoric and personal gain.
“This country needs leadership that listens, protects, and takes responsibility,” Matiang’i said. “We cannot continue pretending everything is fine when citizens are living in fear and the rule of law is being ignored.”
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