The media was locked out of Harambee House as outgoing Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i officially handed over to his successor Prof. Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday, November 1.
Unlike his colleagues who handed over their dockets in the full glare of cameras, the tough-talking former minister opted for a private affair.
Matiang'i's media team had earlier invited the media to cover the event that was scheduled to start at 10:00 am before pushing it to 2:00 pm, only to declare at the last minute that it would be a private ceremony.
Minutes before 5:00 pm the Interior Ministry shared photos of Matiang'i handing over to the new sheriff at the powerful ministry.
Among those present at the handover was a lean team comprised of Principal Secretaries (PSs) Karanja Kibicho (State Department of Interior and Citizen Services) and Safina Kwekwe Tsungu ( State Department for Correctional Services) and Senior Ministry officials.
"Change of Guard: Prof. Kithure Kindiki officially takes over as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration from his predecessor Dr Fred Matiang’i, " the ministry said in a tweet.
Change of Guard:
Prof. @KindikiKithure officially takes over as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration from his predecessor Dr Fred Matiang’i. pic.twitter.com/ffLEXCbmDZ— Ministry of Interior | Kenya (@InteriorKE) November 1, 2022
Matiang'i was among a number of CSs in retired President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration who strongly opposed President William Ruto's bid for the country's top job.
Like Uhuru, who campaigned against his deputy in the August elections, Matiang'i openly endorsed Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga's candidature.
Since Raila lost the election to Ruto, Matiang'i, who was regarded as Uhuru's Mr Fix It, has kept a low profile with reports indicating that he had been out of the country for a while. He returned recently to hand over to the new administration.
On September 9, he penned a farewell letter to his colleagues at the ministry of interior and coordination of the national government.
Matiang'i commended his colleagues for their outstanding performances during his time at the helm of the interior security docket.
"At this ministry, we have collectively strived to deliver service to our citizens. We have done this while improving the welfare of the gallant men and women in the security sector," Matiang'i said.
"As a front row witness to your many sacrifices, I will carry with me indelible memories of your valor," the letter read in part.
Matiang'i applauded security officials for overseeing and ensuring the recently concluded elections were conducted peacefully.
"The dawn of a new administration is at hand. I invite you to take deserved pride in your role as security providers for supporting the delivery of the most peaceful elections in the history of Kenya.
"Despite immense criticism, scorn and false accusations of scheming to manipulate and interfere with the General Election, our sector put up a stellar and professional performance in supporting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct the General election," Matiangi said.
The firebrand CS also appreciated Uhuru for granting him a chance to head several ministries during his 10-year-reign.
Kindiki's work cut out
With the rise of insecurity in the country and concerns over extra-judicial killings, it remains to be seen how Kindiki will tackle the issues.
Last week, President Ruto directed him to work closely with the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) to deal conclusively with extrajudicial killings in the country.
Ruto made the remarks amid the ongoing probe into claims that the Special Service Unit (SSU) was involved in cases of forced disappearances and extra-judicial killings in the country.
