Kirinyaga clergy, leaders warned against toxic politics

Kirinyaga county commissioner Jim Njoka has warned Christian clerics against allowing politics in church.

He equally cautioned politicians against holding public meetings in the guise of donating food. Njoka reminded those perpetuating hooliganism that the law will be applied firmly, regardless of one's social standing. He urged the youth to shun politicians who use them to advance their selfish interests.

“From today, no meeting will be allowed to take place within the county without authorisation. You have to follow the law if you are interested in conducting a meeting and should you not know [what to do], get to the nearest police station and enquire from the OCS,” Njoka said.

He spoke in Kerugoya Stadium on Mashujaa Day. Njoka also took a swipe at politicians using shortcuts to engage in early 2022 election campaigns. He said some aspirants pretend to be presenting donations to residents, only to resort to divisive politics. 

Njoka, therefore, directed all politicians or people of goodwill interested in supplying donations during this Covid-19 pandemic to follow all the laid-down protocols by channelling their help through the office of the governor or his. 

“Going forward, do not send me a letter requesting a meeting to donate food; the guidelines are very clear. You are allowed to brand them if you so wish, but we will not allow you to use the platform to waste our time and those of Kenyans,” he said.

Njoka appealed to the youth, especially those contracted for the Kazi Mtaani programme, to use their incomes prudently. He praised the unity that now exists between the county executive and the assembly, saying it has eased the tension and made it easy for the police to serve residents.

Governor Anne Waiguru urged county leaders to unite and use the period they have been accorded by the public to serve, instead of politicking.

“We still have one-and-a-half years to serve the people of Kirinyaga before we dive into active politics. I, therefore, urge all leaders to utilise the period to fulfil the pledges they made to wananchi. When the electioneering comes, the people of Kirinyaga will decide on whom to choose and for what position,” she said.

 

Edited by F'Orieny