Controversies Explained

I Call for a Public Inquest: Matiang’i has expressed readiness to testify under oath regarding the River Yala bodies and other high-profile, unsolved cases.
DCI Tasked with Investigation: He revealed that upon discovering the bodies, he tasked the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Inspector General of Police (IG) to investigate, stating that by the time he left office, a file was open.
Displaced Responsibility: He argued that the Minister of Interior does not micromanage police operations, and therefore, he should not be held personally accountable for the actions of rogue police officers.
Political Framing: Matiang’i has accused the current administration of politicizing the incident to destroy his reputation, noting that bodies have continued to be found in River Yala even after he left office.
Challenged the Current Government: He stated that since the current government has power, they should open a full inquiry instead of blaming him, noting, “I didn’t leave with the file”

Signed Fred Matiang’i

I declare that:

My role was Peripheral in this matter as “less than peripheral,” expressing frustration that the issue was used to malign his character, despite his assertion that he was not directly involved in the core transactional issues.
Defense of Action: He indicated that the decisions were made based on advice and the need to secure land for public schools, often noting the pain of having such matters used against his service record.
Denial of Senate Snub: Matiang’i denied deliberately skipping Senate committee summons regarding the saga, stating in July 2018 that he had not been formally invited and questioning the purpose of appearing before a committee that he felt had already reached conclusions.
Engagement with EACC: Despite the public controversy, Matiang’i recorded statements with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in May 2018, providing documents to support his position in the investigation.

Signed Fred Matiang’i