"Leave Interior CS Fred Matiang’i alone" is the message Kisii youths had for politicians Kipchumba Murkomen, Jackson Mandago and Kimani Ichung'wa on Monday.
The youths, led by Benson Mogaka, reminded the Elgeyo Marakwet senator, Uasin Gishu governor and Kikuyu MP respectively that Matiang’i was appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta for his competence.
Mogaka told the Tangatanga-affiliated politicians to respect the CS because he serves the interest of all Kenyans and not the Kisii community.
“We are telling Murkomen, Mandago and Ichung’wa that Matiang’i's appointment was based on merit. He has demonstrated his competence in the ministries he was appointed to serve and he deserves respect,” he said at a press conference in Kisii town.
The youths were reacting to the Deputy President William Ruto's allies who at the weekend scathingly attacked Matiang’i for stating that he is only answerable to President Kenyatta.
Matiang'i, who spoke at a fundraiser in Kirinyaga County on Friday, reminded politicians criticising his style of leadership that he was only accountable to the President.
This wrapped Ruto's allies the wrong way with Murkomen and Mandago on Sunday telling the CS to stop undermining the DP as he is the second in command.
Murkomen said the interior CS had become unpopular due to his rough leadership style and should cease disrespecting Ruto.
The senator challenged him to a political contest for an MCA in Nyamira county, saying he would convincingly beat the technocrat.
Murkomen and Mandago said they support the Building Bridges Initiative recommendation that ministers should be appointed from among MPs.
According to Mandago, the Interior CS was intimidating elected leaders. While he was not specific on who Matiang'i was allegedly intimidating, he asked President Kenyatta to restore order in his administration.
Ichung'wa was more direct, referring to the CS by name and that he should respect the DP because his appointment was done after consultations by the country's top leaders.