By Fred Allan  The tragic death of Albert Ojwang, a young, vibrant social media influencer from Kenya, after being arrested and transported over 300 kilometres from Homa Bay, leaves not only a bitter taste but also a trail of haunting questions in its wake. Albert was not just a name on a trending hashtag. He was a son, a friend, a voice — a young man who had embraced the digital era to speak his mind, shape opinion, and engage his community. He was, by all standards, a Kenyan exercising his right to free expression, something enshrined in our Constitution. And yet, his story has ended in a cold, tragic silence — a silence that now demands loud, urgent questions. The first question that cries out for an answer is a simple one: Why was it necessary to drag Albert more than 300 kilometres away from his home county just to detain him? The alleged offence? A derogatory remark supposedly made against a senior police officer — a matter which, if indeed criminal, could have been handled e...

By Fred Allan Nyankuru In times of national crisis—economic collapse, unemployment, insecurity, and institutional rot—desperate citizens often reach for whatever figure appears strong, decisive, and unafraid. In Kenya, that figure has increasingly become Dr. Fred Matiang’i, former Interior Cabinet Secretary. To some, he is a no-nonsense administrator. To others, a strongman disguised as a saviour. But beneath the rhetoric, the bravado, and the media-crafted image lies a truth Kenyans must face with clarity and courage: Fred Matiang’i is not a solution. He is a scam. And if we fall for it, we may be tricked into the most dangerous decision of our generation—electing our own undoing. The Scam of the Strongman Persona Matiang’i has masterfully cultivated a reputation as a strong, results-oriented bureaucrat. He speaks with force. He acts swiftly. He imposes authority. And it is this “strongman” brand that many disillusioned Kenyans find attractive amid the chaos of the current administrat...

By Fred Allan Nyankuru In the midst of rising public frustration, economic discomfort, and increasing disillusionment with leadership, it is easy—and perhaps fashionable—to throw stones at President William Ruto’s administration. The discontent is understandable. Life is hard. Prices are high. Expectations remain unmet. But in the face of this dissatisfaction, we must pause, take a deep breath, and reflect more critically on the big picture. We must invoke a timeless Swahili wisdom: “Mghala muue na haki yake umpe” —if someone deserves blame, give it; but if they deserve credit, don’t deny them their due. Ruto’s presidency has not been perfect—far from it. But imperfection is not the same as failure. In fact, when examined with the benefit of objectivity and context, his administration reflects the painful but necessary transition of a nation trying to correct the sins of its past while forging a more stable future. This journey, though uncomfortable, is one of national maturation. And ...

By Fred Allan Nyankuru Kenya is a nation at war with itself—not by guns or militias, but by something even more insidious: a deeply entrenched, deliberately nurtured culture of tribal politics. It’s the disease that eats away at our national unity, our electoral integrity, and our ability to rise beyond ethnic arithmetic and patronage. In such a volatile and wounded space, a true national leader must walk with caution and conviction—committed not to their tribe, but to the republic. And yet, when Dr Fred Matiang’i—former Interior Cabinet Secretary and now rumoured presidential hopeful—returned to the country to re-enter political life, where did he launch his comeback? —In Kisii. His tribal stronghold. His “home turf.” This decision, though seemingly ordinary in Kenya’s political culture, was neither innocent nor inconsequential. It was a loud political statement—a revealing moment that showed the nation exactly how Matiang’i views himself and the presidency. The Optics Matter—and in ...

By Fred Allan In politics, the word progress is often used like a charm—a spell meant to lull citizens into believing that any shift from the present status quo is inherently good. But this is a dangerous illusion. Not all progress is positive. Not every new direction is forward. And certainly, not every powerful man in a suit is a reformer. As Kenyans grow increasingly disillusioned with President William Ruto’s administration—a feeling that is understandable given the economic hardships and perceived disconnect from the people—the temptation to embrace any alternative can be strong. But in that moment of vulnerability, we must pause and think critically. Fred Matiang’i is not the progress Kenya needs. He is the political reincarnation of a past we should be trying to escape—not return to. Firstly, Matiang’i has long been hailed by some as a “strong leader,” an “efficient administrator,” and a man of “decisive action.” But let us not be fooled: efficiency without accountability is tyr...

By Fred Allan Nyankuru.  Kenya today stands at a pivotal crossroads. The citizens are disillusioned by broken promises, battered by a harsh economy, and betrayed by leaders who treat power as an entitlement rather than a sacred duty. In this moment of deep national pain, the temptation to grasp at any “strong” alternative is understandable. But it is precisely now that we must think with our heads, not just our hearts. A Fred Matiang’i presidency would not be the change Kenya needs. It would be the final nail in the coffin of our dreams for true democracy and justice. The Spectre of Death, Suffering, and Brutality Dr. Fred Matiang’i’s record as Interior Cabinet Secretary paints a chilling picture. His reign was marred by high-handedness, brutal policing, enforced disappearances, and widespread human rights abuses. Under his watch, the security forces became feared instruments of repression rather than protectors of the people. Imagine, then, what a Matiang’i presidency would unleas...

Kenyans are justifiably frustrated. The high cost of living, perceived governmental aloofness, a battered economy, and the feeling of betrayal by those in power have created a storm of discontent. It is natural—and necessary—to seek change. But change is only useful if it is real change, not just the reshuffling of faces from the same rotten pack. In our frustration with President Ruto, we must not make the fatal error of turning to Dr. Fred Matiang’i—a man whose record and associations should immediately disqualify him from serious consideration. We must remember that Matiang’i is not an outsider. He is not a fresh alternative. He is deeply woven into the fabric of the very system that has brought Kenya to its knees. Matiang’i served in the heart of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration—a regime that plunged the country into staggering debt, stifled dissent, weaponized institutions, and hollowed out the economy. The Kenyatta era was marked by gross mismanagement, corruption, and r...