A fierce political row has erupted between lawyer Miguna Miguna and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, following the senator’s recent defense of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i, particularly in connection to Miguna’s 2018 deportation ordeal.
Speaking at a local forum earlier today, Senator Onyonka acknowledged that Matiang’i’s handling of the case was flawed, but said Miguna still deserves a formal apology.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again Fred mishandled the Miguna issue. The man deserves an apology,” Onyonka said.
He added: “I’m not claiming Matiang’i is perfect. But compared to some people holding power today, some of what we’re seeing is far worse.”
Onyonka argued that while Matiang’i should account for past actions, that shouldn’t automatically disqualify him from seeking high office.
“Let’s be honest many of the people lining up for the presidency have worse skeletons. Some are outright crooks,” he said.
Miguna didn’t mince words in his response. In a scathing post on X, he blasted Onyonka for trying to “launder” Matiang’i’s image. “Stop glorifying your criminal sponsor,” he wrote, accusing the former CS of detaining people without trial, violating court orders, and overseeing torture under his watch.
He described Onyonka as a “compromised opportunist,” and said Kenyans should not accept apologies in place of accountability.
The confrontation has stirred up online reactions, with citizens debating Matiang’i’s legacy and whether he should be considered a viable presidential candidate.
