Govt to Hold Politicians Accountable For Chaotic or Violent Acts by Supporters

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i has issued a stern warning to politicians regarding chaos and violence propagated by their supporters.

The CS made the pronouncements while addressing the media on Monday, October 25, 2021, during a stakeholders meeting in preparation for the August 9, 2022, general elections.

“We need to emphasize to our leaders that they will take personal responsibility for some of the actions that they get their supporters to be involved in,” Matiang'i stated.

Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, ICT CS Joe Mucheru, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati, Attorney General Paul Kihara, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Interior PS Karanja Kibicho on Monday, October 25, 2021. |Courtesy| Twitter|

The CS further warned that the government is prepared to do whatever it takes to curb the spread of hatred and negative politics in the country.

Matiang'i stated that tough disciplinary measures will be taken against leaders in the country who will be found guilty of inciting hatred or violence. This will include disqualification from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) register.

“Where need be, we will be presenting both to the relevant agencies evidence and information that we have of individual political actors who are engaged in incitement and who are mobilizing groups of people to disrupt meetings.

“We will petition to the IEBC to disqualify some of these people from contesting electoral offices," Matiang'i stated.

The CS assured members of the public that the government will ensure maximum security as the country draws closer to the 2022 general elections.

“I want to assure Kenyans there is nothing to fear, we are ready to provide security. We have the requisite resources and the capacities we need to ensure the country remains peaceful throughout the election season,” he said.

Matiang'i urged politicians and members of the public alike to be civil during this campaign period.

He condemned the incident where Deputy President William Ruto's motorcade was pelted with stones in Busia, stating that no Kenyan requires any permission to campaign in any part of the country.

The stakeholders meeting was attended by ICT CS Joe Mucheru, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati, Attorney General Paul Kihara, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Interior PS Karanja Kibicho among others.