Joseph Nkaissery sworn in, says security laws will help seal loopholes

Joseph Nkaissery has officially taken over as Interior Cabinet Secretary.

Addressing the public in his maiden speech, Mr Nkaissery said all security personnel were on the payroll from public coffers and had a duty and a responsibility to safeguard the people of Kenya and their properties.

“If you know you are a security officer earning a salary from the tax-payers, then you must be ready to work and offer services for which you have been trained. Those who feel they cannot do that are free to walk,” said Nkaissery.

The former Kajiado Central MP, who earlier in the day took the oath of office, said Kenyans had expressed their confidence in his ability to steer the docket and secure the country.

President Uhuru Kenyatta witnessed the ceremony conducted by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua at State House, Nairobi.

Nkaissery’s nomination was approved by the National Assembly on Thursday last week after he was vetted by the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments.

President Kenyatta said divisive politics was a major threat to the unity of Kenyans.

“Terrorist attacks on Kenyans are not based on political affiliation, religious or ethnic backgrounds. Let us come together and confront the common enemy,” President Kenyatta said.

He told leaders both in Government and the Opposition to shun partisan interests and serve Kenyans, adding that politicians should desist from opposing everything for the sake of it.

Seal loopholes

“As I wish you a joyous festive season, please remain alert and be your brothers’ keepers. Volunteer information on suspicious individuals and their activities to security agencies for action,” he said.

Friends, relatives and residents of Kajiado Central started arriving at State House as early as 8am to witness the occasion.

“I will serve you diligently, putting the interests of Kenya and Kenyans first, before any other. Sorting out the security problem is not, and cannot be, a Nkaissery-only affair. It will require each and every one of us to address all the threats that impede Kenya from realising its dream,” said Nkaissery.

Nkaissery defended the enactment of the new security laws, saying they would offer a framework to secure the basic rights guaranteed in the Constitution.

“I want to assure Kenyans that we will not infringe their human rights and fundamental freedoms. We will ensure that Kenyans gain confidence in security operations,” he said.

He said the anti-terror laws enacted and signed into law last week were not directed at law-abiding citizens but terrorists, their agents and criminals seeking to harm wananchi. He insisted that the new law aligned existing laws and sealed loopholes in the security sector.

Nkaissery, who is taking over from Joseph ole Lenku, urged Kenyans to live normally or risk succumbing to the wishes and whims of terrorists’ goals – which are to scare and ultimately change democratic ethos and lives.

“My first task is to meet the security team to get to know them and for them to know me. I will tell them what I want them to do and I can assure you it will be to safeguard the lives and property of Kenyans,” he said.

Nkaissery served in the Kenya Army for over 30 years and was an Assistant Minister for Defence for five years.