Make baseless corruption claims at your own risk, warns Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery addresses the Press at the Office of the President in Harambee House, yesterday. With him is Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet. [PHOTO: ANGELA MAINA/STANDARD]

Kenyans are being incited against the Government to cause economic sabotage in the name of fighting corruption, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has said.

In a strong-worded address, Nkaissery said the country is being subjected to an upsurge of irresponsible utterances by leaders to paint the Jubilee administration as "irredeemably corrupt". He said he has immediately instructed security agents to invite anyone who publicly makes corruption claims to share the information with them for investigation.

"We have even heard veiled calls for unconstitutional means towards this end... which poses a direct threat to our democracy and national security. This campaign has several strands and most alive is clothed in arguments, purportedly against graft which are increasingly taking shape of a larger plot of economic sabotage," said Nkaissery.

While reiterating the Government's commitment to protecting all Kenyans, the security boss took a swipe at leaders whose utterances have been deemed to cause incitement. He said those who are busy beating drums of war must be ready to take responsibility for their actions.

He said President Uhuru Kenyatta's state of the nation address back in March should be proof enough that the Government is committed to fighting graft. His remarks come at a time when Uhuru's administration is under sharp criticism for alleged impropriety. Nkaissery warned against making blanket allegations of graft.

"In the event that these claims are false or intended to cause dissatisfaction against Government, contribute to economic sabotage or generating insecurity, then the said person will be held to account personally," cautioned Nkaissery.

Recently, many individuals from Government have recorded statements at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission without much happening after that but Nkaissery defended this saying it is the "beginning of a legal process to substantiate claims".

Asked if he is worried about corruption allegations in the government, he defended the Jubilee administration.

"Do you know where that corruption is? Tell us. Then we will go for those people who are tarnishing the image of government," he said.