Speaking in Mbeere North on Saturday, November 29, 2025, Matiang’i said the government was misusing its influence to intimidate voters and manipulate results in key battlegrounds.
Matiang’i made the remarks during the funeral service of Canon Penina Ciambogo Ngung’i, where he addressed residents about the tense political atmosphere that surrounded the mini-polls.
He insisted that government officials must remember that political power is temporary, adding that the current trend of threats and interference can easily push the country into a crisis.
According to him, what happened in regions like Mbeere North and Malava showed a worrying pattern.
He claimed that some state-backed leaders attempted to influence voter decisions using fear, while others took advantage of their positions to pressure local officials.
Matiang’i said voters should not be intimidated by people who behave as if leadership begins and ends with them.
In Mbeere North, the parliamentary race was closely contested. Leo Wamuthende of UDA won against Newton “Karish” Kariuki of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) by a very small margin.
The campaigns were tense, and residents reported several cases of violence and confrontations between supporters.
Matiang’i thanked the community for remaining firm despite the pressure, saying their resilience showed that voters still value their democratic rights.
He also commented on the situation in Malava, where the MP race came down to a narrow finish.
David Ndakwa secured victory with 21,564 votes, defeating Seth Panyako of DAP-K, who received 20,210 votes. Matiang’i described the Malava incidents as “unfortunate” and said the government must learn to respect the electoral process instead of forcing its preferred outcomes.
The former CS drew from his own experience in government, reminding leaders that power does not last forever.
“I was once the Interior Minister, and I coordinated government functions. I have seen everything,” he said, adding that leaders who abuse authority often forget that they will one day leave office.
He warned that Kenya could face the same unrest that recently affected countries like Guinea-Bissau if intimidation becomes part of the election process.
In Banissa, Mandera County, UDA also secured victory after Ahmed Maalim Hassan was elected MP with 10,431 votes.
While the win was peaceful, Matiang’i noted that the country should not ignore the tension seen elsewhere.
He said Kenyans must protect their democracy by rejecting leaders who rely on fear instead of ideas.
Matiang’i concluded his speech by urging citizens to stay hopeful despite the current political climate.
He said Kenya’s biggest problem today is the rise of “bad leaders,” but the country would eventually overcome this challenge if people remain united and refuse to be intimidated during elections.
The opposition has pointed to the narrow margins as signs that voters are becoming more courageous as the government celebrates its victories in several constituencies.
In some places, UDA candidates only won by a few hundred votes, showing that competition is growing even in areas previously considered safe.
The former CS emphasized that elections should never be turned into battlegrounds. He reminded leaders that public office belongs to the people, not politicians who try to impose themselves through threats.
“Power comes to an end,” he said.
“Those who misuse it always learn that lesson slowly.”
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