Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s lawyer confirmed that his client flew out of the country formally.
This is contrary to allegations that he had sneaked out of the country.
Lawyer Danstan Omari said Matiang’i traveled on February 19, 2023, to the United Kingdom to attend to a private family issue.
The lawyer said the concerned government officials are aware of his trip.
“Owing to his immediate role in the security sector and his status, I have instructions that my client informally notified senior security sector and diplomatic officials about his two-week trip to the UK. It is therefore unfair to cast aspersions on his movement,” Omari said.
He said Matiang’i regularly travels to the UK using KLM.
“Those familiar with his travel schedules over time will confirm that he travels regularly to that part of the world via KLM and – as was in this case – very openly. Through open means. There is nothing sinister about his travel.
“He is there to attend to an urgent private family matter and shall return to resume his ordinary routine as a private citizen,” Omari said.
He added that his client is aware of the investigations on him.
Tuesday the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) wrote to the Head of Public Serve requesting certified copies of former Cabinet Secretary for Interior Dr. Fred Matiang’i’s wealth and asset declarations from 2012 – 2022.
EACC through a letter dated February 27, 2023, requested Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei provide the forms because the watchdog is investigating the former Interior CS.
“Pursuant to Section 30(1) (4) (b) of the Public Officers Ethics Act, the commission wishes to request for certified copies of Declaration of Income, Assets and Liabilities forms for years 2012 to 2012, including the initial and final declarations,” the letter read.
On February 14, a contingent of officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) raided Matiangi’s home to obtain CCTV footage after obtaining a search warrant.
This was after the DCI boss termed the allegation by Matiangi that police raided him at night on February 8.
The government distanced itself saying there was no witch-hunt and they respected him as a former CS.
Omari urged the media to exercise careful judgment while reporting on communications that are intentionally leaked for the purpose of achieving certain sinister objectives.
“Further, and as you all recall our, constitution protects court proceedings from an extraneous and prejudicial media report on matters before them primarily because in our democratic society, such reports defeat the realization of justice.”
