Interior Permanent Secretary Dr Karanja Kibicho has warned politicians against bringing President Uhuru Kenyatta’s name into the raging debate over the academic qualifications of some aspirants eyeing the August elections.
The attacks directed at the President by some of the aspirants who have blamed the head of state for the disputes surrounding their eligibility to contest their preferred seats were described as “misguided and diversionary” by the PS.
“If you do not have the required academic credentials, why should you blame the President who is completely out of the picture? Please let us focus on the people who will be on the ballot,” he said.
The PS regretted that a segment of the political class is abusing the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution to insult and ridicule the President in order to gain cheap publicity and to avoid legitimate questions about their ethical and educational backgrounds.
The PS, who was speaking at Kiambu County’s HGM Ting’ang’a Secondary School during the CDF infrastructure dedication, also urged residents to embrace political tolerance and avoid incitement to violence during the campaigns and the August 9 election.
Concerning security in the run-up to the general election, the PS stated that security agencies have been prepared to respond to attempts to incite violence and intimidate supporters and voters.
He warned that those who use alcohol and drugs to mobilize youth and incite violence will be arrested.
