President Uhuru Kenyatta reassures on security after crisis talks

Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday met top security officials for crisis talks following the Mandera massacre and pledged that the Government would do more to secure the country.

Speaking at separate function in Nairobi after the crisis meeting, President Kenyatta said security agencies will not be able to win the war against terrorists alone unless the public joins the fight.

"There have been talks that the security agencies must do more and I agree with you. We must and we will do more to improve the security of the country. But what are you doing yourself, what is your responsibility?" Kenyatta posed as he spoke in public for the first time since gunmen killed 28 people on Saturday.

He added: "The responsibility of fending for each other lies with you and me."

He also criticised a section of leaders from Coast for attacking police officers over the ongoing operation that has seen closure of four mosques and several arrests.

He said clerics should not allow places of worship to be used as grounds for incitement and storage of weapons.

"Why use a place of worship to incite believers. We will work with the security agencies and take action where necessary in dealing with the security issues," he said.

He was speaking yesterday during the launch of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Muslim leaders in the Coast and Nairobi had called for the unconditional reopening of Sakina, Musa, Mina and Swafaa mosques that had been closed on allegations of hosting radical youths linked to Al-Shabaab.

Earlier yesterday, President Kenyatta met top security advisers to discuss the recent Mandera killings at State House in Nairobi upon his return from an official visit to Abu Dhabi.

He was briefed on the operation being undertaken by the Kenya Defense Forces in Mandera following the brutal attack.

Stem attacks

Action plans were discussed that would deter other attacks by terror groups and organised criminal gangs.

On Saturday morning, suspected Al-Shabaab militants attacked a Nairobi-bound bus in Mandera near the Kenya-Somali border killing 28 passengers. Of the 28 shot dead at close range, 24 were teachers.

Al Shabaab, while claiming responsibility for the attack, said the assault was a retaliation for the arrest of some Muslim youths and the government's closure of the mosques following the seizure of several weapons.

Kenyans have been active on social media expressing their anger over the brutal attack, while activists have held protests calling for the resignation of Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo and Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku.

The Mandera incident follows a recent killing of police officers and civilians by suspected cattle rustlers in Kapedo, Turkana.

Uhuru said it was impossible to have one police officer protecting one citizen, adding that the public should play its role in ensuring their safety.