Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has dealt a major blow to the opposition’s National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition’s intention of 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.
Nkaissery reiterated that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is the solely 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.
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.
“Ask for your votes in a peaceful manner. Don’t insult anyone and refrain from [perpetuating] hatred,” said Nkaissery.
The interior CS was speaking at Oloitikosh-Kiserian in Kajiado West while campaigning for the Jubilee Party.
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