NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 28 – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki says the government will provide security during Raila’s ‘public consultations’ and engagement on Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) reforms set to kick off on Wednesday.
Kindiki who spoke on Monday during a security inspection in Muthurwa Market said that the event will not pose any threat to national security.
He also said they will provide security to each and every Kenyan provided that the event conducted in any part of the country is within the confines of the law.
“If people want to meet there is no problem with having meetings, our work is to maintain law and order and to keep the security of the country. We are not doing politics anymore, we are here to make sure that people are safe and secure,” he said.
While addressing security matters, the CS noted that there are improved security concerns within Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) occasioned by measures that had been taken by various key government officials to restore normalcy.
“A few weeks ago, we had serious security concerns in our city from criminal gangs who were interrupting the businesses around the city by use of illegal firearms. The government decided to take radical measures to restore normalcy.”
Kindiki further urged those taking part in thuggery and mugging to desist and surrender any illegal firearms they possess adding that the government will go after them.
“We are asking criminals to desist from engaging with us, the Interior Ministry will look for wherever they hide, preempt and thwart their activities,” Interior CS affirmed.
He assured all citizens of the government protection stating that all security personnel will be deployed and do patrols in the city to tighten security.
“All those who intend to think that they can earn a living through crime. I want to firmly and equivocally confirm that the government is doing whatever it takes to make sure citizens are protected from criminals. We cannot surrender this city to criminals, the government will not allow criminals to run rough shoves on citizens. Those who are still pursuing crime must stop immediately,” Kindiki said.
The CS thanked the security forces and the entire government machinery for taking extra steps to restore normalcy in the city.
The government’s move to tighten security comes a day after Azimio-led faction Raila Odinga announced a region to region public engagement on the planned reforms at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
He said they will fiercely oppose the ongoing petition before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) of the National Assembly on the removal of four dissenting IEBC commissioners.
The first public consultation forum, according to the opposition chief, will take place in Nairobi’s Kamukunji grounds before proceeding to other areas including Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Kakamega.
