Ruto writes to DPP to have Kibicho and 5CSs prosecuted
Ruto writes to DPP to have Interior PS Karanja Kibicho and 5CSs prosecuted for engaging in active politics.
Deputy President William Ruto has written to DPP (Director of Public Prosecution) Noordin Haji to have state officers engaging in active politics prosecuted.
Ruto, through a letter signed by secretary-general Veronica Maina wants the DPP to invoke article 157(6)(a) of the Constitution and bring charges against the officers to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
The state officers listed in the letter are; Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, and his PS Karanja Kibicho, Joe Mucheru of ICT, James Macharia of Transport and Infrastructure, Devolutions’ Eugene Wamalwa, Peter Munya of Agriculture, and Environment CS Keriako Tobiko.
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“The Cabinet Secretaries and the Principal Secretary being state officers are in breach of Section 15 of the Election Offences Act, 2016 for using their offices to engage in active support of the Azimio Coalition Presidential candidate and for publicly indicating their support for their preferred candidate,” Maina said.
She said that state officers have been accompanying the Azimio flagbearer to his campaigns, offered support for his presidential bid, and promised to use administrative mechanisms to assure his victory in the August 9 elections.
She in particular accused Matiang’i of directing administrative officers under him to accord respect to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s preferred presidential candidate.
The laws prohibit state officers from engaging in any political activity that may compromise or be seen to compromise the political neutrality of their office.
“The involvement of the Cabinet Secretaries and the Principal Secretary also raises doubt on their neutrality and it is a barefaced, unconcealed, and blatant conflict of interest,” she said.
Ruto further pointed out that the Interior and ICT ministries have key roles to play in the administration of the forthcoming General Election; dismissing the argument that state officers are at liberty to support a candidate of their choice.
“However, Article 38 of the Constitution cannot be applied in a manner that negates Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity.
“The attempt to exempt Cabinet Secretaries from the application of this provision on the view that they are not ‘public’ but ‘state officers’ must be frowned upon as such an interpretation would render Article 259 of the Constitution nugatory as it negates the purpose of the Constitution a good governance,” Maina said.
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