MP Elisha Odhiambo Threatens Legal Action Against Fred Matiang’i Over River Yala Killings
Gem Member of Parliament Elisha Odhiambo has ignited political shockwaves by threatening to take legal action against former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i over the unresolved River Yala killings. The lawmaker has accused Matiang’i of presiding over what he described as a “reign of terror,” linking him directly to the extrajudicial killings and dumping of over 400 bodies into River Yala between 2021 and 2022.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, July 3, Odhiambo expressed deep concern over the lack of accountability and justice for the victims, many of whom bore signs of torture, strangulation, and gunshot wounds.
“Being an MP for Gem Constituency, I have been deeply perturbed by the arrogance and contempt with which the former Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang’i treated the questions in his role as CS in the dumping of bodies into River Yala in Gem Constituency in the run-up to the 2022 General Elections,” Odhiambo said.
The MP vowed to initiate legal proceedings against the former CS, arguing that Matiang’i cannot escape responsibility given his former role in overseeing internal security.
“The families of all those who were brutally murdered and dumped in River Yala are yet to get justice. He is walking free without any answer to these very chilling occurrences that took place under his watch,” Odhiambo added.
The River Yala tragedy came to light between July 2021 and January 2022, when several human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, raised alarm over mass recoveries of mutilated bodies from the river. Despite the public outcry, no arrests have been made to date.
Odhiambo now wants Matiang’i barred from contesting in the 2027 General Election, citing gross negligence and incompetence. He disclosed that a petition is being drafted and plans are underway to summon Matiang’i before Parliament and demand a public inquiry into the killings.
“Further, we are considering putting pressure on the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to institute mass murder charges against Matiang’i and all those who worked with him during that particular period, including the members of the disbanded SSU police unit,” Odhiambo stated.
Matiang’i, who recently hinted at vying for the presidency in 2027, has denied any wrongdoing. Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, the former CS said he welcomed a public inquest and expressed readiness to testify under oath.
“I didn’t leave with the file. It was a police matter. I’m ready to testify before a judge and say what I know,” Matiang’i asserted.
The growing calls for accountability could become a major political hurdle for Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions. Meanwhile, the families of the River Yala victims continue to wait for justice in what remains one of Kenya’s darkest human rights chapters.
In other news:Drama as Angry Police Officer Lobs Teargas Canister Inside Kericho Hotel
MP Elisha Odhiambo Threatens Legal Action Against Fred Matiang’i Over River Yala Killings