CS Nkaissery issues a rare warning message to Raila's NASA team

juma chrispinus

April 10, 2017 8:23 AM

Nkaissery reiterated that the IEBC is the only mandated institution to run elections in the country.

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Even as the heat on who has to take on President Uhuru Kenyatta during the August polls overwhelms the National Super Alliance (NASA), Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery has issued a major stern warning.

Mr Nkaissery has dealt a major blow to the opposition’s intention to have their own votes announced, despite a counter clarification by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

He has argued that the intention of the coalition setting up a parallel vote-tallying centre during the August 8 polls saying he would not allow such an arrangement as long as he is in charge of the national security.

Mr Nkaissery reiterated that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is the only mandated institution to run elections in the country, adding that anybody else or any institution planning to tally or relay the results is out to cause chaos in the country.

Also Read:Interior CS Joseph Nkaiserry sued

The cabinet secretary hailed IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati for standing firm against NASA’s plan to establish a parallel tallying centre, noting that the constitution does not allow it.

“I want to congratulate Chebukati for putting off those people intending to conduct parallel tallying centre,” he said.

Nkaissery further defended his right to participate in the campaign trail saying that cabinet secretaries are appointed directly by the president hence they have a right to drum up support for the government.

“People are saying that CSs are engaging in politics. I am politicking because am appointed by the president and if he loses I lose my job. So when am standing here to ask my people to vote for the president I am defending my position,” said Nkaissery.

The former Kajiado Central MP urged leaders seeking elective posts to maintain peace and decorum in their campaigns.

Also Read: We will count our own votes - Raila vows

“Ask for your votes in a peaceful manner. Don’t insult anyone and refrain from [perpetuating] hatred,” said Nkaissery.

Mr Nkaissery spoke on the backdrop of a closed door meeting between the NASA bigwigs and the IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati.

The commission, however, clarified that the opposition can do all that appertains to tallying and counting of votes, but refrain from announcing the results, an idea the opposition consented to.

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