A multi-agency team has been dispatched to pursue people who have been authoring and distributing leaflets to instill fear among Kenyans ahead of next week's general election, Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Karanja Kibicho has said.
Speaking in Kirinyaga County on Sunday, July 30, the PS gave a stern warning to the people involved saying elections cannot be won by instilling fear in citizens to vote for particular candidates.
“Elections are won through persuasion. Not coercion or fearmongering. To our dismay, we're aware of leaflets warnings the electorate of dire consequences should they fail to vote for certain candidates on August 9.
"A multi-agency security team is pursuing the authors and distributors of the leaflets for a swift and deserved date with the justice system,” Kibicho stated.
Kibicho remarks
Kibicho's remarks come after leaflets were seen in some parts of the country warning electorate to vote for particular candidates.
Over the weekend, the clergy also asked politicians to stop making utterances that may provoke anxiety among Kenyans and lead to violence.
Led by Nyeri Diocese Archbishop Anthony Muheria during the conference by Catholic Bishops, the church leaders asked the various leaders to shun the verbal dress that has been seen in recent campaign trails.
“We can change the direction of our country by voting. Let it not be through cheap handouts in this home stretch of the campaign period. Let’s elect leaders who will bring honour to Kenya,” Muheria Stated.
The political class has also been warned of their remarks to the public that may antagonize efforts to deliver a free, fair, and credible election.
The bishops urged Kenyans that elections are not a do-or-die thing.
They have called on the leaders to prepare their supporters for any outcome of the elections by also telling them life will continue even if they lose.
