Matiang'i's 1st Move After Appointment as Interior CS

Dr Fred Matiang'i was on Friday listed by President Uhuru Kenyatta among Cabinet Secretaries who will be retained and was confirmed as the Interior & Coordination of National Government CS.

A few hours after his appointment, Matiang'i promptly changed his title on his social media handles, stating that he was now heading the Ministry of Education on a temporary basis.

"Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior & Coordination of National Government; and Acting Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science & Technology - Kenya," read his bio on Twitter, leading to speculation that he would relinquish the post once official appointments were made.

[caption caption="Fred Matiang'i"][/caption]

Labeled as one of the best performing CSs due to the reforms he implemented in Kenya's education sector, a permanent shift to the Ministry of Interior is set to be received with mixed reactions.

Matiang'i has been credited with restoring the credibility of national examinations though various leaders including Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula called for his resignation due to the fact that more students were failing exams.

He was appointed to the Interior docket following the demise of the late Joseph Nkaissery and he took the task in stride as he was charged with ensuring peace and security during the election period.

He was, however, accused of directing police to be ruthless against Opposition supporters.

On Thursday Matiang'i told off those opposed to the transfer of school principals stating that their actions reflect barbarism.

The CS noted one of the reasons Kenya is yet to achieve national integration is the notion that people must work in their home areas.

“I don’t understand why a principal from Siaya cannot be a principal in Kiambu. I don’t understand why a principal in Loitokitok cannot be a principal in Kisumu.

“We have been trained to go and teach. Let us go and teach. There is no examination for Luos, Kikuyus, Kalenjins, Kisiis and so on," he remarked.

[caption caption="Fred Matiang'i with Education Officials"][/caption]