CS Matiang'i: School property destroyed in poll violence

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i 

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has expressed concern about the safety of learners and school property during political campaigns.

Matiang'i (right) said property was destroyed in several schools during political party nominations.

In a letter to the chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Wafula Chebukati, Matiang'i asked the agency to intervene so that schools do not lose any more property.

"These actions are illegal and will upset the operations of school programmes, including the opening of schools, which begins next week," he said.

He noted that the ministry has previously worked well with the agency and requested that IEBC ensure that political activities do not lead to destruction of school property.

"The ministry has regularly worked with your commission through offering premises and other support towards electoral exercise," said Matiang'i in a letter dated April 26.

The CS said the ministry has approved several public schools as designated polling centres and that it has taken steps to ensure efficient access to the centres by all candidates and voters.

"However, it has come to the attention of the ministry that several public schools have been damaged during the political party primaries. I request you to use your good offices to remedy this worrying situation," he said.

Schools are scheduled to open tomorrow and close on August 4, just four days before the General Election.

The head teachers of 470 schools, who spoke last week during the launch of trials for the new curriculum, petitioned Matiang'i to ensure that politicians do not interfere with learning.

They complained that some politicians demand to use school compounds even when lessons are on.

Matiang'i told teachers to allow politicians to use their premises as long as they do not interfere with learning.

Matiangi said: "I appeal to politicians to also understand that these are our children and we are preparing their future as much as we must also exercise our democratic right to vote."