Interior and National Coordination Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i, on Sunday, March 7, issued a stern warning to politicians caught up in political incitements and violence.
Matiang'i who was speaking in Nyamira, defended police officers who politicians have blamed for allegedly failing to take action against perpetrators of political violence in the recent by-elections.
"We must speak the truth about what happened. Kenyans have always remained peaceful; the challenge is on how to handle reckless and greedy politicians. It is high time we tell them off."
Matiang'i stated that it was time politicians respected Kenyans, and stopped misusing the youths to cause chaos at public gatherings.
"It is shameful that some people can take time to plan to divide Kenyans because of elections. We will not allow such to go round the country and cause disharmony," stated Matiang'i.
During the March 4 by-elections, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and MPs Didmas Barasa of Kimilili, Wilson Logo of Chesumei and Nelson Koech of Belgut constituency were arrested for allegedly being in possession of illegal firearms, and initiating violence in Kabuchai.
The leaders were later released on Ksh 50,000 cash bail after denying the claims, arguing that they were only monitoring the progress of the elections.
Firearm Licensing Board responded to the chaos by revoking the firearms licenses of two MPs; Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and Mt Elgon MP Fred Kapodi.
The Board Chairman Charles Mukindia said that the decision was arrived at after thorough consultations with Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly Committee on security on Sunday, March 7, supported Matiangi’s directive to withdraw gun licenses for the politicians who misuse them.
While speaking in Garissa during an inspection tour of the Garissa police training college, Committee's chair Paul Koiange said that the decision was good for the country’s security.
“As a committee, I must admit that we are worried and concerned at the trend in which some of our colleagues are carrying themselves around. As a country, we have come from far in matters of security. We will be the first to support any directive that will help maintain peace and order,” Koinange said.
Matiang'i was in the company of Health PS Susan Mochache, Agriculture CS Peter Munya, EALA MP Mpuri Aburi, Nyamira governor Amos Nyaribo, Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi and her Homa Bay counterpart Gladys Wanga.
