Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has described the 2018 mock swearing-in of Raila Odinga at Uhuru Park as the most demanding moment of his public service, calling it the ultimate test of his leadership in national security.
In a live interview with Citizen TV on Friday, while Raila’s State Funeral was ongoing at Nyayo National Stadium, Matiang’i opened up about his long personal and professional bond with the late leader, whom he described as a mentor, father figure, and a champion for education and social welfare.
“Raila alikuwa kama baba ya watu wote na mwelekezi. Before the 2012 elections, I only used to see him from a distance, but when I became a Cabinet Minister in 2013, we started meeting often at public events,” Matiang’i recalled.
He added that Raila was always approachable and genuinely interested in people. “He was a very passionate leader and whenever you met him, he would not just pass you by — he would stop to talk and ask, ‘Mugaka unaendelea aje?’”
Matiang’i noted that Raila’s concern for education was constant. During his time as Education Cabinet Secretary, he often received messages from Raila about schools in Nyanza and Western Kenya, with guidance on improving performance.
“In 2015 and 2016, while I was Education Minister, Raila showed great interest in institutions like Maranda High School and Maseno School. He would send messages asking about their progress and even give advice,” he said.
The former CS said their connection faced strains during his Interior Ministry tenure, particularly around the 2017 General Election, when he had to regulate rallies by ODM supporters to prevent premature campaigns.
After Gen. Joseph Nkaissery’s death, Matiang’i served as Acting Security Minister, placing him at the center of national security concerns.
“But after the 2017 elections, when Raila wanted to go to Uhuru Park to be sworn in as the People’s President, it was the greatest test for me as the Minister for Security. We discussed the issue with other members of the security council and agreed that it was a test we had to pass,” Matiang’i said.
He expressed relief and gratitude that the symbolic ceremony on January 30, 2018, concluded peacefully, with no violence, calling it a defining moment in his career.
“I thank God because the event happened at Uhuru Park to a successful conclusion without a single shot being fired or a single incident,” Matiang’i added.
Raila Odinga passed away in India on Wednesday morning, reportedly from a heart attack. He was given full state honours during a two-hour funeral at Nyayo Stadium, attended by both local and international dignitaries.
His remains will be flown to Kisumu ahead of burial on Sunday in Siaya County, in line with Anglican traditions. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki chairs the National Committee for the State Funeral, with Raila’s brother and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as co-chair, and Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo serving as secretary.