Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i, has dared Deputy President William Ruto to table evidence to substantiate claims that President Uhuru Kenyatta and senior government officials were propagating hate and incitement to violence three days to the August 9 General Election.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, August 5, Matiangi termed Ruto's claims against the officials as baseless, adding that such matters were of grave concern and should not be taken lightly.
Matiang'i, further, called on the Deputy President and his team to stop profiling government officials who are mandated with securing the country.
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"These unsubstantiated allegations are consistent with frequent, unfounded, and unconscionable attacks against the government and public officers by His Excellency the Deputy President. The government is run through established and well-known structures and accountability channels.
"It is not a secret society cloaked in conspiracies and dark agendas. As a senior member of the same government, His Excellency the Deputy President ought to know and manifest an understanding of how Government’s decisions are arrived at and executed," Matiang'i stated.
He went ahead to accuse Ruto of jumping to conclusions even before the government completed investigations into hate leaflets being spread in some parts of the country.
The CS added that the DP would have assisted in the investigations if he gave the police evidence over his claims.
"Allegations that the chiefs and assistant chiefs are buying or withholding IDs to suppress voter turnout in UDA strongholds is ridiculous. If true, it would constitute a criminal and electoral offence.
"There is however no official record made or proof offered by the DP or his associates in support of deterrence and deserved punishment for anyone engaging in the alleged acts. Like everyone else, the DP has an obligation to report on potential crimes," the CS stated.
Additionally, Matiang'i expressed concern over the allegations made against decorated public servants, insisting that he holds no grudge against the Kenya Kwanza leader despite his character being attacked during public rallies.
The CS explained that he and other officials had refrained from responding to the DP on several occasions but were sanctioned by Uhuru to clear the air over the allegations.
"We have no intention of interfering with facilities and utilities that support the conduct of the general elections. The government will not shut down the internet or disrupt power supply. There is no policy or intention to engage in any voter suppression campaigns.
"The National Government does not own venues such as stadia and grounds. Those belong to the County Governments and the decision to lease them out or not to lease them out is not the province of the National Government," he affirmed.
