Nairobi, Kenya, Jan 14- Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has warned politicians against attacking National Government Officers in public rallies as the 2022 election campaigns intensify.
Matiang’i said Friday during his tour of Nyamira county that the attacks are “unwarranted and unfair” because they risk demoralizing the public servants who are not in a position to defend themselves.
“I am pleading with the political leaders to respect the public servants; you stop attacking public servants and dragging them to the political platforms. Let us stop profiling public servants every time you go to your public rallies you begin abusing this PC. He has no platform to respond to you,” Matiang’i said in reference to last weekend’s political rally in Eldoret, where politicians allied to Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) castigated Uasin Gishu County Commissioner, Stephen Kihara.
Matiang’i pointed out that his office has not received any complaints about any misbehavior or misconduct on Kihara whom he hailed as an experienced and professional administrator.
During the rally at the Eldoret Sports Club rally and which was attended by Ruto, politicians led by Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua accused Kihara of allegedly hosting secret meetings to wage ethnic divisions in the cosmopolitan County.
The Interior CS pointed out that the recent happenings being witnessed in the country is lowering the standards of the country’s leadership.
“As public servants, we are ready to ensure we implement our mandate for the sake of adequate peace in the country. Wherever there are security challenges, we will use every means to ensure order is restored,” he added.
Matiang’i pointed out that they have no any political inclinations as government officers pointing out that their main task is providing service to the citizens.
He called on politicians to outline their agenda to Wananchi while on the campaign trail without dragging the names of top security officials in the country.
During the rally at the Eldoret Sports Club rally and which was attended by Ruto, politicians led by Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua accused Mr Kihara of allegedly hosting secret meetings to wage ethnic divisions in the cosmopolitan County.
The Interior CS urged leaders with genuine grievances against public officers to exploit available formal channels to raise them.
Matiang’i and Interior Permanent Secretary Karanja Kibicho are among the public servants who have been on the receiving end from a section of leaders lately for allegedly involving themselves in politics and clearly demonstrating ‘bias’ while enforcing the law
On October last year leaders from Nyanza region defended Cabinet secretaries including Matiang’i Joe Mucheru (ICT) who have been singled out for taking part in politics ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Kisumu County Senator Fred Outa said it is the Constitutional right of any CS to comment on politics in relation to the development of the nation.
Outa said freedom of speech allows CSs to make known their preferred line up in the coming polls.
A section of CSs led by Matiangi, Mucheru, Mutahi Kagwe (Health) and Eugene Wamalwa (Defense) have been actively taking part in political activities, with some openly declaring support for ODM party leader Raila Odinga as their favourite to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta who is serving his second and final term.
“I want to tell the detractors of Raila that we will not listen to their noises, the CSs like any other person have a right to support anyone they deem fit,” said Outa.
Senator Outa told Matiang’i that he will not fear supporting him on his stand to support Raila for the Presidency in 2022.
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