Matiang'i Writes Moving, 3-Page Farewell Letter To Police Bosses

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i wrote his humble farewell letter to the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Director of Criminal Investigations, Commissioners General of Prisons, Director General, Kenya Coast Guard Services, Director General, Immigration and Regional Commissioners.

The letter dated Friday, September 9 saw him take them on a journey down memory lane to July 15, 2017, when he was appointed to the docket following the death of Major General (Rtd) Joseph Nkaissery.

He praised his tenure as the tough-talking CS which was full of milestones he said his Ministry had surpassed. He also thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for giving him the opportunity to exercise his mandate to the best of his capability, after he served in four different ministries.

Interior CS, Fred Matiang'i, speaking during a past media address. /CAPITAL GROUP

"In the life of a man, there is nothing nobler than being called to serve your country. I came to this Ministry on Saturday, 15th July 2017, at 12.50 p.m., following the demise of Major General (Rtd) Joseph Nkaiserry (may his soul continue resting in peace).  

"As my tour of duty comes to an end, I exult in the pride of knowing that we have not only honoured expectations but exceeded them by important and evident milestones. History will vindicate our legacy,’ said the CS.

Matiang'i began naming some of the achievements he was proud of during his tenure, including tackling the triple threats of female genital mutilation (FGM), teenage pregnancies, and sexual violence that plagued the Kenyan girls that have been tamed to an all-time low.

He also cited important improvements in service delivery of essential services domiciled in the ministry such as the issuance of birth and death certificates, IDs, passports, and motor vehicle registration that have been realised. As a result, Kenyans now get these services within reduced time and at more locations across the country obviating the need for expensive and time-wasting travel.

He further pointed out that through a multi-agency approach to security, the war against terrorism, extremism and organized crime had borne fruit.

In the letter, he also refuted claims that security agencies attempted to disrupt the 2022 general elections, noting that his security personnel had outperformed themselves in the critical process which was recognised by election observers around the world.

“Despite immense criticism, scorn and false accusations of scheming to manipulate and interfere with the General Election, our sector put up a stellar and professional performance in supporting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct the General Election. This has been lauded by election observers and Kenya's Development Partners," he added.

He further praised the presidential petitions at the Supreme Court whose ruling by Chief Justice Martha Koome and the seven-judge bench absolved them of any wrongdoing.

"The just-concluded Presidential petitions and the subsequent ruling did not indict our expansive team across the country of any wrongdoing. This affirms our collective professionalism and due diligence to duty," he noted.

The former Education CS further appreciated his colleagues, including Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, for standing by him through thick and thin.

"I want to thank him for bestowing his trust in me. I am humbled by the privilege to serve in his Cabinet in four different ministries throughout his tenure. I can never thank him enough for this honour," Matiang'i concluded.

Matiang'i did not however disclose his next move in the three-page letter as president-elect William Ruto is set to be sworn in on Tuesday, September 13.

He had previously worked as the Eastern Africa regional representative for the Centre for International Development, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, at the State University of New York and was also a lecturer at Egerton University.