Whistleblower and activist Nelson Amenya has sent out a strong warning to Kenyans about the dangers of supporting former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in any future elections.
According to Amenya, Matiang’i is not the leader Kenyans should trust with power again. He compared Matiang’i to former U.S. President Donald Trump, warning that both leaders represent the same dangerous traits impunity, disregard for democratic rules, and the belief that the constitution is just an option, not a law to be followed.
Amenya openly asked Kenyans what exactly they are fighting for if they are still interested in someone like Matiang’i. He questioned how people could support a man who, in his opinion, acted like the constitution never existed.
In his own words, Amenya said, “What are we fighting for if you want Matiangi? He represents impunity and treats the constitution like it’s optional. He is like Trump… most people who voted him in thought he’d bring order because he’s a firm leader. Right now the whole world can’t wait for the end of his term.
Others think he might extend. Mnachocheza nacho hamkijui, kitawaramba aisee!”
Through this statement, Amenya cautioned that Kenyans risk their democracy if they keep chasing strongmen for the sake of order.
He believes that looking for a tough leader can backfire badly if that leader starts ignoring the law and threatening the freedom of citizens.
According to him, Kenya’s hard-earned democracy and the rule of law are too valuable to throw away in exchange for false promises of security or discipline.
Amenya also warned that the trend of supporting authoritarian figures has been growing around the world, and it often ends in disaster.
He pointed out how such leaders tend to stay in power longer than they should, using fear and control rather than serving the people.
His message was clear once you open the door for impunity, you cannot control how far it goes. He reminded Kenyans that democracy must be protected through leaders who respect the constitution, not those who act above it.
While Fred Matiang’i is often praised for being a tough, no-nonsense leader who enforced laws strictly during his time in government, he has also faced criticism from many human rights defenders.
They accuse him of using too much force, silencing critics, and ignoring legal procedures. These are the exact concerns that Amenya raised, insisting that Kenyans should be careful not to fall into the trap of celebrating strongman politics.Amenya’s remarks come at a time when many Kenyans are still debating what kind of leadership the country needs going forward.
His warning is a reminder that good leadership is not just about being tough, but about following the law, respecting people’s rights, and protecting democracy at all costs.
