Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has reflected on the 2018 mock swearing-in of Raila Odinga, describing it as the most difficult moment of his public service career and the ultimate test of his leadership as a national security minister.
Speaking during a Citizen TV live interview on Friday, held as Raila’s State Funeral took place at Nyayo National Stadium, Matiang’i paid tribute to the late former Prime Minister, calling him a mentor, a father figure, and a visionary leader deeply committed to education and public welfare.
“Raila alikuwa kama baba wa watu wote na mwelekezi. Before 2012, I only saw him from a distance, but when I became a Cabinet Minister in 2013, we started meeting regularly. He was passionate and always approachable — whenever you met him, he would stop, greet you, and ask, ‘Mugaka unaendelea aje?’” Matiang’i recalled.
The former CS noted that Odinga frequently reached out to him while he served as Education Cabinet Secretary, showing genuine concern for schools in the Nyanza and Western regions.
“In 2015 and 2016, Raila often inquired about institutions like Maranda High School and Maseno School, sending messages about their progress and offering advice,” he said.
However, Matiang’i admitted that their relationship faced tense moments during his tenure in the Interior Ministry, particularly in the heated period around the 2017 General Election, when he served as Acting Security Minister following the death of Gen. Joseph Nkaissery.
“Sometimes we had to stop one or two ODM rallies because of early campaigns,” he said. “But the day Raila planned to be sworn in as the People’s President at Uhuru Park that was my greatest test as Minister for Security. We sat as the national security council and agreed it was a test we had to face responsibly.”
Matiang’i expressed gratitude that the January 30, 2018 event concluded peacefully without violence.
“I thank God because the ceremony went on to completion without a single shot being fired or a single incident. That was my greatest test in public service,” he stated.
Raila Odinga passed away in India on Wednesday morning, reportedly after suffering a heart attack.
He was honoured with a state funeral at Nyayo National Stadium attended by both local and international dignitaries. His body is expected to be flown to Kisumu before the burial on Sunday afternoon in Siaya County, which will be conducted according to Anglican Church traditions.
The National Committee for the State Funeral is chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, co-chaired by Raila’s brother and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, with Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo serving as secretary.
