Gem Member of Parliament Elisha Odhiambo has revealed plans to file a legal petition aimed at barring former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i from seeking the presidency, citing alleged complicity in extrajudicial killings during his tenure in the Jubilee administration.
Odhiambo accused Matiang’i of presiding over a regime of state-sponsored killings, pointing specifically to the discovery of dozens of bodies in River Yala between 2021 and 2022. He alleged that many of the victims were dumped during Matiang’i’s time in office, blaming him directly for what he described as environmental terrorism against communities in western Kenya.
He stated that a constitutional petition is being finalized to hold Matiang’i individually liable for the River Yala killings, emphasizing that the move is not only about justice for the victims, but also about accountability for a former state official who allegedly abused power.
The MP said he had consulted with a team of lawyers on Wednesday night after watching Matiang’i’s recent interview on Citizen TV, where the former Interior CS acknowledged that the matter had been escalated to then-Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai. Matiang’i said investigations stalled due to the inability to identify many of the bodies found.
Odhiambo dismissed the explanation, arguing that the state’s failure to act pointed to a broader systemic cover-up. He maintained that bodies do not end up in rivers without involvement from powerful forces, and insisted that those responsible must face justice.
During a joint press briefing, Odhiambo was accompanied by Makadara MP George Aladwa and Luanda MP Dick Maungu. Both lawmakers supported the petition and criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for what they called divisive rhetoric targeting Kenya’s security institutions.
Aladwa accused Gachagua of undermining key national agencies such as the National Intelligence Service and the National Police Service, warning that such attacks could destabilize the country. Maungu added that Gachagua was promoting tribal division and accused him of turning his Wamunyoro residence into a breeding ground for political extremism.
The MPs called on the judiciary to take the River Yala case seriously and ensure accountability for the atrocities committed. They urged political leaders to act responsibly and prioritize national unity over personal ambition.
If filed, the petition would mark a significant legal challenge against a former senior government official and could influence the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election, in which Matiang’i is expected to run for president.
