Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has made a dramatic U-turn on his earlier controversial remarks about former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, issuing an unconditional retraction.
In a statement released on Tuesday, August 19, the city lawyer sought to clarify his position and restore unity within opposition ranks after his explosive claims on Kameme TV earlier in the day threatened to create divisions within the opposition coalition.
Acknowledging the controversy his remarks had generated, Njiru explained that his views had been influenced by recent political developments within the Gusii community leadership.
"I have noted that my statement made on Kameme TV this morning has caused unnecessary alarm, and the same has been construed to mean that the United Opposition is no longer United," Njiru stated in his retraction.
The lawyer revealed that he had since communicated directly with Matiang'i to clarify the former CS's political stance.
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"I have spoken to our brother Fred Matiangi, and he has confidentially confirmed that he is firmly in opposition," Njiru disclosed. "Therefore, in the spirit of unity and our resolve to have the wantammovement retain the necessary momentum, I wish to retract the statement unconditionally."
In a gesture aimed at reconciliation, Njiru extended a personal apology to Matiang'i for any damage his earlier statements may have caused, assuring that the opposition was intact and unified.
"I equally convey my apology to my brother, Fred Matiangi, for any inconvenience occasioned. No love lost,” he concluded.
The retraction comes after Njiru made serious allegations against Matiang'i during his Tuesday morning appearance on Kameme TV, where he questioned the former Interior minister's loyalty to the opposition cause.
Speaking on the vernacular station, the lawyer had made damaging claims about Matiang'i's political allegiances, suggesting he was part of a government project.
"Matiang'i is a state project. Gen Z said they are party-less, leader-less, then suddenly they started hyping up Matiang'i. Matiang'i is an NIS project," Njiru had claimed.
The lawyer had also raised concerns about Matiang'i's commitment to joint opposition activities, citing instances where the former CS had allegedly declined to participate in collective political tours.
"When we were touring the country, we didn't get to go to Kisii because Matiang'i said he wasn't ready to return home; he didn't even come to Narok with us. Then he came back from the USA and didn't tell us, but went ahead to Meru, but he denied us the right to go to Kisii," Njiru had pointed out.
During former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua's recent trip to the US, he was cozying up with Matiang'i, leading to speculation that the two leaders aimed to work together in opposition.
Gachagua revealed that their meeting centred on the wellness of Kenyans.
"We discussed several issues affecting our country, Kenya, and our liberation cause. Our focus remains strong, and our commitment to the people of Kenya is unwavering," Gachagua had stated.
