by Clement Kamau

@PeopleDailyKe

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i yesterday decried the abuse of social media platforms warning that the government would start monitoring the same as the country heads to the 2022 General-Election.

Mariang’i warned that social media has been grossly misused by a section of Kenyans who use it to sow seeds of discourse among the populace adding that those found culpable will face the full force of the law.

“We respect the freedom of expression as enshrined in the constitution but we must draw a line between hate speech and freedom of expression,” he said.

Speaking at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru yesterday, the minister warned that the government would be very firm in the application of the rule of law.

“We don’t hold these offices to be loved or be popular but we are here to serve the interests of Kenyans as directed by the appointing authority,” he said.

Hindrances 

Matiang’i termed corruption and patronage as the two main hindrances to development in the country and urged Kenyans to shun the vices.

“To end the endemic corruption in the country starts with one as an individual. I challenge the youth and the general populace to try and be the biblical Daniel and do things differently,” he said.

Matiang’i who was flanked by NCCK General Secretary Canon Chris Kinyanjui, Health Chief Administratively Secretary Mercy Mwangang and her Sports and Culture counterpart Zack Kinuthia called upon the youth to avoid being carried away by what he called sloganeering in the country and instead say no to bad leadership.

He advised the youth not to fall to empty promises being peddled by some politicians seeking elective office in 2022.

“We as youth are better than the slogans we are hearing around. Let’s not fall into traps, into things which are not true and can’t be true,” he said.

Adolf Hitler

“Adolf Hitler of Germany told Germans to give him five years and he would make a difference in the country and when they fell prey to his calls, it ended in premium tears,” added Matiang’i in a veiled jibe at Deputy President William Ruto who is promising to help hustlers become dignified members of the society if elected President in 2022.

He assured Kenyans that the 2022 polls will be peaceful and successful noting that the country is better prepared for the exercise slated for August next year.

“I always say that in 2022 we shall have peaceful and successful elections because I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,” he affirmed.

He said that the upcoming polls will be the most important and unique owing to the fact the largest number of voters will be youth and also it will present Kenyans with serious transition moments.

“It will be the most important poll since independence and will offer a serious transition. It will be upon Kenyans to chose between a continuous trajectory and achieve their aspirants or lose them”, he said.

He said a peaceful election ensures that there’s no displacement of population, no single bullet is fired and that the real will of the people is achieved democratically.

On Covid-19 containment, he said that it was unfortunate that some people were politicizing the implementation of protocols at the expense of human lives.

“Implementation of the Covid-19 containment has been the most challenging duties in my four years in my docket. I ask you not to politicise this thing. Covid-19 knows no tribe or creed,” he said adding health top ministry officials relish no fun.