Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has said politicians will be held accountable for their supporters’ behavior.
Matiang’i warned that politicians plotting violence against their rivals will be barred from contesting in next year’s General Election.
“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,” the CS said.
“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.”
He said action will be taken against such leaders, including petitioning the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to disqualify them from vying for public office.
“We will petition to the IEBC to disqualify some of these people from contesting electoral offices.”
The CS spoke after a meeting among IEBC leaders and different stakeholders in the government to discuss preparation measures ahead of the 2022 elections.
Matiang’i sentiments came after eight suspects in connection to the chaos that broke up during a visit by Deputy President William Ruto in Busia were arrested.
The eight are suspected to be part of a rowdy group which allegedly stoned and blocked motorists at Korinda area and indiscriminately pelted stones at motorists, resulting in injuries and destruction to property.
Fredrick Okoth, Reuben Barasa, Moses Oridi, Friday Ouma, Michael Omondi Alwando, George Odongo, David Ouma and Wejuli Shalmin were arrested in connection with the offences.
Matiang’i condemned the violence saying, no one needs anyone’s permission to go anywhere in the country as long as you are a citizen.
On security, the CS assured members of the public that the government has put in place measures to ensure the electioneering period is peaceful.
He said the government has not only increased personnel but also acquisitions, and is ready to support the IEBC and other agencies that are going to conduct 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,” Matiang’i added.
Chief Justice Martha Koome who chaired the Inter-Government Consultative meeting said the Judiciary will set up special courts that will deal with cases of hate speech during the election period.
“We are looking to set up these courts in five places, Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kisumu,” she said.
The CJ added that if need be, the special courts will be extended to other places that will be deemed hotspots, to deal with issues of hate speech.
The session was also attended by IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati, National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Chairman Samuel Kobia, ICT CS Joe Mucheru, Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho among other senior government officials.