Nkaissery warns politicians funding outlawed groups

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery

Politicians are to blame for the regrouping of outlawed groups such as Mungiki and Gaza, the Government has said.

In the past elections, rival politicians were accused of using members of outlawed sects to intimidate opponents during campaigns.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery, who was speaking at Kiambu High School during a meeting with security officials and political leaders, said insecurity was on the rise in Kiambu County.

"The reason I decided to visit the area is due to the rising cases of insecurity in Kiambu, especially in Kikuyu, Kabete and Limuru. I will be touring other counties as well on a fact-finding mission involving security matters," said Mr Nkaissery.

 "I will not allow us to lose Kiambu to gangs, as it is the centre for peace for the Nairobi people especially at this time that we are headed to the general election," he added.

He said this year, 32 murders, 82 robberies and 147 burglaries have been reported in Kiambu alone, adding that more than 500,000 illegal arms were destroyed.

Nkaissery said those using social media to spread lies about the Government, rival politicians and individuals would soon be punished. He said he will petition Parliament to come up with a law that will ensure those who break the law using social media are heavily penalised.

He said chiefs and their assistants who are aligning themselves with politicians risk being sacked.

He said Kiambu was crucial in security matters.

Three weeks ago, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa forwarded a petition to Parliament alleging some governors had started forming armed militias, reportedly for political reasons.

Mr Ichungwa reported that his life was in danger, as he was being followed by unknown people.