Beware of hate mongers out to cause ethnic feuds, says Matiang'i

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has urged Kenyans to reject individuals spewing hate, which has the potential to plunge Kenya into the political apocalypse of the infamous ethnic cleansing witnessed in 2007/08.

The Interior minister, particularly cautioned Abagusii people to be wary of individuals who allegedly instigated violence in some parts of the country leading to the killings and displacement of their brothers and sisters during the 2007/08 mayhem.

Dr Matiang’i said the individuals, who he did not name, incited their communities against Abagusii but were now trying to endear themselves to the community asking for votes, yet the next General Election was two years away.

Politics of hatred

He said politics of hate being propagated by a section of politicians ahead of the 2022 elections was dangerous for Kenya.

The minister said the government would deal firmly with the instigators of hate, irrespective of their political or social status.

He spoke in his Nyamira backyard during thanksgiving ceremonies at Makairo and Omwobo SDA churches.

“We do not want politicians who thrive in politics of hatred and division.

“We do not want politics that compartmentalise Kenyans into various unhealthy groupings in the name of winning elections,” he said as he urged Kenyans to unite.

Dr Matiang’i said the presidency was a symbol of national unity and the holder of that office must be accorded ample time to deliver his constitutional mandate without the unnecessary distractions currently being witnessed.

He urged Abagusii to stand solidly behind President Kenyatta and reject those conducting early presidential campaigns two years ahead of the next elections.

Dr Matiang’i, reminded the Kisii community that peace and national stability was a critical component to bear in mind, pointing out that some of the recent “political tourists” to the community were invisible forces behind the mayhem some of them suffered in the 2007/08 post-polls violence.

Dr Matiang’i lamented that some youths had fallen prey of the disruptive politics being pursued by the agents of anarchy and cautioned that social media, which is a major platform for young people had been turned into a destructive political battleground for hatred.

“We must teach our youth culture of honesty, respect and responsibility. We must tell them to embrace truth and teach them moral values,” he said.

Fragile unity

The minister said the government is keen to create job opportunities for youths and called for patience as leaders streamlined some of the challenges facing the various programmes designed to empower them.

While admitting that many challenges are facing the country now, Dr Matiang’i said further division would break the country’s fragile unity.

“We want peace. Let us live together and even as government looks for solutions to some of the problems facing us as a country, let us work hard,” he said.  “We are all Kenyans. No one is more Kenyan than the other. If we are not together, we will perish together.”

He said politicians had developed a habit of poisoning youths who spend most of their time hurling insults to everyone and everywhere.

“Everywhere is poisoned. This musty change henceforth because we do not want to ruin the blessed country God has gifted us with,” said Dr Matiang’i.

He said there are social media sites which have specialized in attacking other leaders but warned that this cannot continue.

“What kind of life do we want to live? Teaching our young people to abuse and hate others. We cannot teach future generations that hate is the way of life,” he said.

The CS added, “This is our only home on earth. We have nowhere else to live. We must live together.

Rule of law

Dr Matiang’i was accompanied by Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, Woman Rep Jerusha Momanyi, MPs Ben Momanyi (Borabu) and Shadrack Mose (Kitutu Masaba).

Mr Omogeni called on politicians to adhere to the law saying it is wrong for leaders to look for trouble and later blame their woes on other people.

“As a senior counsel, I urge that we avoid breaking the law. If we are required to get a permit for our meetings, let us do so. And if we do not like any set laws, we have the powers to amend them in parliament,” he said.

Mr Omogeni spoke in reference to the National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) order which was formulated soon after the government discovered that the ongoing presidential campaign rallies were turning bloody in some parts of the country.

The new policy was communicated by the head of public service Joseph Kinyua Wednesday and is intended to tame rogue politicians who have defied President Uhuru Kenyatta’s advice against early presidential campaigns.

The National Security Advisory Council Wednesday warned leaders against taking advantage of vulnerable youth in pursuit of political interests.

Council Chairman Joseph Kinyua, who is also the Head of Public Service, said the situation has created fear, despondency and political uncertainty.

“NSAC noted that the country is experiencing growing political tension that is creating division and pitting sections of politicians and their supporters against perceived opponents.

This situation is increasingly polarising the country along ethno-political lines, and therefore undermining national cohesion, peace and security and derailing our transformative economic agenda.

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