The Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions on Monday morning dropped all charges against former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Oken’go Matiang’i.
Dr. Matiang’i (left) in a hearty moment with his successor at the Interior Ministry Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
In a letter dated 13 March 2023 and signed by acting Deputy Director and Chief of Staff, Lillian Obuo the ODPP said the charges that the DCI intended to profer against Matiang’i were not sustainable.
The DCI had recommended that Dr. Fred Oken’go Matiang’i and his lawyer Mr. Danstan Omari be charged with conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to Section 399 of the Penal Code and Publication of false information contrary to Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act number 5 of 2018.
On 7 March 2023, Dr. Matiang’i was grilled at the DCI Headquarters for several hours. Azimio leader Raila Amollo Odinga was stopped by security agencies from accessing the offices prompting what was threatening to escalate into a full-blown riot. President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta purportedly intervened and Matiang’i was released.
Legal experts have been skeptical if the state could uphold the charges against Matiang’i. The public is divided on whether or not Dr. Matiang’i who overshadowed President Ruto in Uhuru’s cabinet is not being subjected to a witch-hunt.
