Governor Simba Arati of Kisii County has come under intense criticism after donating school bags bearing his photographs and name.
However, the governor has defended the project, saying it is the right decision as a leader.
The defiant governor asked his critics to avoid mixing politics with development, but instead join hands with him and support education development.
“Let my opponents stop fearing for a second defeat too early because the national elections are too far,” he said.
Arati had issued more than 500 bags to pupils at Nyanturago Stadium during the New Year celebrations, and other leaders said it was a violation of children’s rights.
“I did it as a gesture of good will to pupils in readiness for their reporting back to school because I am a parent,” he said.
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu had earlier banned the issuance of any material branded with a politician’s name or photograph to school children.
According to Machogu, Section 29 on child abuse prohibits the exposure of children to age-inappropriate content, information and photos of any kind.
“The law is very clear and must be fully implemented to protect the children who should not be used as political posters by carrying political messages,” said Machogu.
He said the Ministry of Education (MoE) will take stern action against any education official and school heads who will allow the abuse of children under their care.
“Political messaging is not different from indoctrination or radicalization; and therefore it is inappropriate for the tender children who are not able make informed decisions,” he said.
In a rejoinder, Kisii-based lawyer Duncan Mosota lauded Machogu for protecting children against abuse.
“The CS is following the law based on the Children’s Act 2022 as well as the education Act 2022,” he said.
Mosota asked those who aspire to consolidate their political bases to keep off innocent children.
By Enock Okong’o
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