Kindiki warns politicians against inciting the masses to violence

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki speaks during a peace meeting at Sondu trading centre on the border of Kericho and Kisumu counties, where violence erupted on Wednesday, leaving five people dead and 15 injured. [Nikko Tanui, Standard]

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenyans not to allow politicians to incite them to violence.

"Kenya is a democracy and everyone has their rights, whether they support the government or the opposition. However, these rights do not extend to violence, hooliganism, and lawlessness," said Prof Kindiki when he addressed residents at Sondu market on the border of Kisumu and Kericho counties.

He said the government will not allow the country to slide into anarchy.

“To those threatening to cause mayhem on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next week, do not test the government. We must end the culture of impunity before it consumes the country. Citizens must refuse to be incited to violence by politicians. Violence does not solve problems,” said said

Kindiki spoke after attending a security meeting following two days of violence in the area that led to the death of five people and left 15 others injured.

He called on the warring communities to embrace peace. "My department is keen to ensure all Kenyans live in peace." 

The CS warned perpetrators of violence that they will be held accountable for their crimes.

“Those who committed a crime, killed, injured, and participated in the destruction of property are simply criminals. The chaos on Wednesday here in Sondu had nothing to do with the border dispute between Kericho and Kisumu counties,” Kindiki said.

Kindki called on Kenyans to obey the law and cooperate with security officers. He at the same time urged government officials, including police officers, to be kind and courteously serve Kenyans.

“Partisan officers and those who demand bribes have no business being in public service,” he said.

Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o, together with other political leaders from Kisumu which is an ODM stronghold, snubbed the peace meeting organized by the CS.

However, national government officials from Kisumu attended the meeting.

Kericho governor Erick Mutai was represented by the County Secretary Wesley Bor. However, Dr Bor's presence was not acknowledged and he was not also given an opportunity to address the meeting.

[email protected]