Matiang’i: What Uhuru Told Me After Nkaissery’s Passed Away

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From left: A collage of former Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Interior CS Fred Matiang'i
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Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang’i, while speaking in Kajiado on Thursday, November 25, detailed how President Uhuru Kenyatta reacted to the demise of his predecessor, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Joseph Nkaiserry. 

Matiang’i, after being appointed to replace Nkaiserry in 2017, spoke with Uhuru on the late CS’s work and service to the nation and the Maa community. 

Uhuru lauded Nkaissery and also spoke highly of other Maa community leaders including the late George Saitoti and Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku. 

“When Nkaissery passed away, Uhuru appointed me to be the successor. He urged me to ensure the deceased’s succession plans in Kajiado are completed. We already gazetted all sub-counties Nkaissery listed. 

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Interior CS Dr. Fred Matiangi presided over the installation ceremony of Principal Chief Wilson Mpapayo of Ntashat Location in Kajiado on Thursday, November 25, 2021
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“We shall appoint commissioners as Nkaissery wanted,” Matiang’i stated. 

The Interior CS presided over the installation ceremony of Principal Chief, Wilson Mpapayo, of Ntashat Location in Kajiado to Senior Principal Chief, describing Mpapayo as a role model who has exemplified diligence in service delivery and community leadership.

Uhuru was said to have received advice from the National Security Council (NSC) before appointing Matiang’i as Interior CS in 2017 after Nkaissery passed on. 

NSC was reported to have considered Dr Matiang'i's "firmness and commitment to a course" as his main strength.

"After brainstorming over the sad events and state of the country’s security, the meeting, chaired by the President, settled on Matiang’i who has a similar work ethic to the late minister," a source privy to the matter disclosed. 

Reports detailed that Nkaissery collapsed in his bedroom in July 2017 before being rushed to a hospital in Nairobi. 

A six-hour post-mortem conducted by chief government pathologist, Johansen Oduor, concluded that Nkaissery suffered a heart attack in his house.

His wife and family refuted reports that he was eliminated and urged the public to desist from spreading rumours. 

“There is no evidence of foul play at this stage but further tests will be conducted to tell us more. 

“He suffered myocardial infection due to a ruptured vessel of the blood. 

He thus suffered a sudden onset heart attack. One of the vessels supplying blood to the heart was severely compromised,” Bessie Byakika, the family representative stated at the time.

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Interior CS Fred Matiang'i addresses delegates at the National Miraa Scientific Conference held in Nairobi on Wednesday, October 27, 2021
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