Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua has lashed out at Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi over what he terms as ordering Kenyans to vote for ODM boss Raila Odinga in 2022.
In a fresh round of attacks on Sunday, allies of the deputy president, including Aden Duale (Garissa MP), Kimani Ichungwa (Kikuyu MP) tore into the CS who last week said he did not need anyone’s permission for him to support Raila’s presidential bid.
“Matiang’i alisema yeye na serikali wameamrisha machief wote na serikali kulazimisha Wakenya wote kupigia Raila Odinga kura. You’re out of order. You have no authority to give chiefs and police orders to ordering the people of Kenya to elect Raila Odinga,” said Gachagua in Subukia, Nakuru, remarks that were supported by Garissa Town MP Aden Duale, who also alleged a plot by senior civil servants to influence the direction of next year’s election.
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”I want to talk to the public servants; all citizens, including those working for the government, have a constitutional right to choose who to vote for in the next elections without coercion, intimidation or threats. You can use any methods but you cannot violate the Bill of Rights including that which gives every citizen freedoms; including PSs, ministers and chiefs,” Duale said.
On his part, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa asked residents to remain calm and embrace peace ahead of the 2022 polls, despite attempts by some people to create a commotion.
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”Siasa ya ukabila na uchochezi tumekataa. Hapa Nakuru ndio tulianza siasa ya kuunganisha Wakenya. Wale ambao wanataka kuturudisha nyuma kwa siasa ya kikabila muwaambie tumesonga mbele,” the legislator said.