Matiang’i Condemns Nairobi Political Goons After Bishop Margaret Wanjiru Endorsement

Story by Monyonge O’kebati

Jubilee presidential candidate Dr. Fred Matiang’i has condemned the disruption of public meetings and places of worship in Nairobi, calling for firm leadership and respect for the rule of law following his endorsement by Bishop Margaret Wanjiru.

Matiang’i made the remarks on Sunday during a worship service at Jesus Is Alive Ministries, where he was hosted by Bishop Wanjiru as he continued his political engagements in the capital.

The Jubilee Party leader attended the service alongside Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, former Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, former Borabu MP Ben Momanyi and other political leaders.

Addressing the congregation, Matiang’i criticised what he described as politically instigated violence and the disruption of meetings, arguing that such incidents undermine democratic freedoms and the right of Kenyans to assemble and worship peacefully.

He maintained that every citizen should be free to attend religious services and public gatherings without intimidation or interference, regardless of their political affiliation.

“I strongly believe in discipline and order. The behaviour you see here, some of which has been engineered by Nairobi leaders, is the kind of nonsense I personally would not want to deal with,” Matiang’i said.

He accused political actors behind meeting disruptions of failing to fulfil their leadership responsibilities, warning that using intimidation to silence opponents was incompatible with democratic governance.

According to Matiang’i, places of worship should remain protected spaces where Kenyans can exercise their constitutional rights without fear of violence or political interference.

“The church must be respected. This country needs firm and strong leadership that upholds the law and ensures that things are done truthfully and as they should be,” he said.

The former Interior Cabinet Secretary further called for accountability over allegations that individuals were being paid to disrupt political meetings and religious gatherings, saying such practices threatened public security and freedom of expression.

He argued that the recurring security concerns in Nairobi required leaders to take responsibility and ensure that political competition did not descend into violence.

“If these security problems in Nairobi, including goons interfering with public meetings and gatherings, are a result of bad leadership, then that is the leadership we need to change,” Matiang’i said.

He expressed confidence that a united opposition could offer an alternative to the current political leadership, urging Kenyans to support a movement focused on restoring order, protecting constitutional freedoms and improving governance.

Matiang’i said his decision to seek the presidency was driven by the need to influence the country’s direction and establish a system in which the law applies equally to everyone.

“We cannot allow such things in our country because we want a free nation where every citizen has the opportunity to do what they want,” he said, adding that individual freedoms must be exercised within the Constitution.

The Jubilee presidential candidate also appealed to opposition leaders to strengthen their cooperation, saying unity would be essential in pursuing political change and addressing the country’s challenges.

Turning to Bishop Wanjiru, Matiang’i urged her to remain committed to the political engagement and work with other opposition leaders towards uniting Kenyans.

“Bishop, do not turn back or lose heart. I have returned because I began this journey with my colleagues in the opposition. Let us continue uniting and bringing our country together,” he said.

He further asked the church leader to guide his political engagements in Nairobi, expressing his willingness to work with her and other leaders in pursuit of what he described as meaningful change.

The endorsement by Bishop Wanjiru adds to Matiang’i’s political engagements as he seeks to consolidate support for his presidential bid and rally opposition leaders around a common agenda.

His remarks placed security, political accountability and the protection of religious institutions at the centre of his message, with a call for leadership that prioritises discipline, order and respect for the law.

Matiang’i maintained that Kenya had the capacity to do better and urged citizens to reject political intimidation in favour of a democratic environment where every Kenyan can exercise their rights freely.