Ngilu chides Ruto over poll rigging claims against Matiang’i

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Ngilu chides Ruto over poll rigging claims against Matiang'i
Ngilu chides Ruto over poll rigging claims against Matiang'i

Africa-Press – Kenya. Kitui County Governor Charity Ngilu has hit out at UDA presidential candidate William Ruto over his allegations against Interior CS Fred Matiang’i.

Ngilu took to Twitter on Friday, posting a quote by Ruto back in 2017, where he defended Matiang’i’s role in elections.

“Wachana na Matiangi. @FredMatiangi kazi yake ni kuhakikisha ya kwamba kuna ulinzi wa kutosha…”~ @WilliamsRuto

2017,” she tweeted.

This loosely translates to, “Leave Matiang’i alone. His work is to make sure there is enough security…” William Ruto 2017.”

Ngilu also posted a campaign photo of Ruto and Matiang’i back then.

In a 2017 campaign video seen by Star, Ruto is heard asking then NASA leader Raila Odinga to leave Matiang’i alone.

“Tumemwambia former Prime Minister anashindana na Uhuru Kenyatta. Awachane na Matiang’i. Awachane na askari wafanye kazi yao,” Ruto said while campaigning in Nyamira on July 29,2017.

Loosely translated to, “We have told the former Prime Minister that he is competing with Uhuru Kenyatta. To leave Matiang’i alone. To let the police do their work.”

Raila had accused the CS of being involved in a plot to rig the polls in favour of the Jubilee Party.

The ODM leader had also accused ICT CS Joe Mucheru of being involved in the scheme.

In 2022, the tables have turned as Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza Alliance are accusing the Interior CS of threatening administrative and security officers to mobilize voters in favour of Azimio.

“County Commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners are being forced with threats and blackmail of losing their jobs if they don’t become Azimio operatives,” Ruto claimed on Thursday.

Speaking on Friday, Matiang’i dismissed the claims saying he was not aware of any plot to rig elections.

“There does not exist a government plan to rig elections through deliberate acts of omission or commission. Allegations that the chiefs and assistant chiefs are buying or withholding IDs to suppress voter turnout in UDA strongholds are ridiculous. If true, it would constitute a criminal and electoral offence,” he said.

Matiang’i said the National Government Administrative Officers chair security and peace committees in their areas of jurisdiction.

“Their responsibilities render it necessary to hold regular interactions with their seniors including Cabinet Secretaries and the Principal Secretaries. This helps to coordinate and review relevant matters of administration and security.”

On Thursday, Matiang’i said the meetings he has been holding with Chiefs and their Assistants are to help maintain peace during and after the elections.

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