Jubilee Deputy Party leader Fred Matiang’i has condemned what he termed as a “cowardly act” of violence after visiting a 31-year-old man allegedly assaulted over his political views, currently receiving treatment in Kisii County.
In a statement on his X account on Saturday, April 25, 2026, Matiang’i said he visited Obed Mogunda Somoni at Chiron Hospital, where he is undergoing specialised orthopaedic care.
Somoni was referred to the facility from Hema Hospital after spending a week admitted there following the incident.
“I wish him strength and a full recovery,” the leader said, while decrying the circumstances that led to the injuries.
He described the attack as politically motivated, warning that such incidents undermine democratic principles and threaten freedom of expression.
“We cannot call ourselves a democratic nation when our youth are beaten and maimed for holding views that differ,” he said.
The leader called for urgent action to restore the rule of law and ensure the safety of young people engaging in political discourse, stressing the need for accountability.
“Kenya must be a country where every citizen can speak freely without fear. We must restore the rule of law, protect our youth, and fix these broken systems,” he added.
Matiang’i pledge to end goonism
Speaking in Nyamira on Friday, April 24, 2026, during a meeting with the outfits’ aspirants drawn from Nyamira and Kisii counties, Matiang’i said basic services are faltering, and insecurity is creeping into everyday life.
“Hatuwezi kufika mahali eti watoto hawaendi shule, sijui matibabu hakuna, hakuna chakula kwa hospitali, watu wanapigwa kila siku,” he said, decrying what he described as a breakdown of essential systems and public safety.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary took direct aim at political actors accused of sponsoring violence, warning that the era of impunity must come to an end.
“One pledge I can make to Kenya as a presidential candidate, if I were given an opportunity to be president of this country, is that there will be no goon nonsense in this country. Lazima serikali iwe serikali, na wakora ni wakora,” Matiang’i declared.
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