‘Power Comes and Goes’ — Matiang’i Sends Strong Warning to President Ruto’s Government
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i on Saturday, November 29, delivered a sharp warning to President William Ruto’s administration after the chaos and violence reported during by-elections held in different parts of the country.
Speaking in Embu County, the Jubilee Party Deputy Leader accused government-aligned leaders of displaying what he called “arrogance of power” and using state machinery to influence the outcomes of the mini-polls.
Matiang’i Accuses Government of Using Power to Intimidate Voters
Matiang’i claimed that some leaders allied to the government misused their authority to manipulate votes through threats, intimidation, and coercion. He argued that the state had taken advantage of its power to shape results in its favour, especially in areas where the contests were tight.
He singled out Mbeere North, where UDA candidate Leo Wamuthende narrowly defeated Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Newton “Karish” Kariuki in a tense by-election characterized by violence and disruptions.
“What we have seen this week is very disturbing,” Matiang’i said during the funeral service of Canon Penina Ciambogo Ngùngì in Mbeere North. “I thank the people of Mbeere North for standing strong against this arrogance and refusing to be intimidated.”
‘Power Ends’ — Matiang’i Warns Leaders After Malava Chaos
While addressing the ugly incidents witnessed in Malava, Matiang’i reminded government officials that leadership is temporary.
“What happened in Malava was unfortunate,” he said. “Power comes and goes. Ask me — I once served as Interior Cabinet Secretary and coordinated government functions. There is nothing I haven’t seen.”
He cautioned that the rising trend of intimidation and chaos during elections could easily push the country toward instability. Matiang’i drew comparisons with situations in other African nations that have recently experienced political troubles, mentioning Guinea-Bissau as the most recent example.
“You keep pushing people, and one day you will be shocked by how they respond to harassment and abuse of power, as if leadership lasts forever,” he warned.
Government Wins Big, but With Stiff Resistance
Despite the tension in several regions, government-allied candidates emerged victorious in major parliamentary races. The opposition secured some ward seats, but in many areas, the contests were extremely tight, exposing deep division among voters.
In Mbeere North, UDA’s Leonard “Leo” Wamuthende edged out DCP’s Newton Kariuki by only 482 votes, showing how fiercely competitive the by-election was.
In Malava Constituency, UDA’s David Ndakwa won with 21,564 votes, narrowly beating DAP-K’s Seth Panyako, who managed 20,210 votes.
In Mandera County’s Banissa Constituency, UDA recorded another parliamentary win, with Ahmed Maalim Hassan elected MP after securing 10,431 votes.
Matiang’i’s Final Message: Leadership Is Temporary
In his closing remarks, Matiang’i issued a subtle but pointed message to the current administration, reminding them of the temporary nature of power.
“The challenge we have now is that we have bad leaders, but we will overcome,” he said. “Let us keep hope alive and continue moving forward.”
His comments added a strong political tone to the already heated discussions surrounding the conduct of the recent by-elections, signalling a growing divide between the opposition and the government over governance, democracy, and fair political competition.
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