Community policing key in fight against terrorism, says Deputy President William Ruto

Community policing remains key in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities, Deputy President William Ruto has said.

Mr. Ruto said the fight against acts of lawlessness is the responsibility of all Kenyans if the security challenges facing the country are to be won.

Saying there should be paradigm shift on the way security issues were being handled, the Deputy President urged Kenyans to embrace community policing by exposing the few criminals behind acts of lawlessness for action to be taken against them.

“I want to assure that Kenya is not going to be business as usual on matters of security. We will do everything possible to protect Kenyans and their property,” said Mr. Ruto.

“It is the responsibility of all of us to participate in the war against acts of lawlessness. Security matters are a collective responsibility where each one of us must participate in order to get rid of the few criminals amongst us,” he added.

The Deputy President made the remarks during the funeral service for Priscilla Jemeli Kositany, mother of Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) deputy Secretary General at her Kipsungui farm in Uasin-Gishu County.

MPs Edwin Barchilei (Soy), Elisha Businei (Turbo), Silas Tiren (Moiben), Elijah Lagat (Chesumei), Zipporah Kering (Nandi women MP), Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), John Kiragu (Limuru), Richard Tongi (Nyaribari Chache, Humphrey Njuguna (Gatanga), Kabando Kabando (Mukurweini), Isaac Melly (Uasin-Gishu Senator), Governor Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo/Marakwet) and deputy governor Daniel Chemno (Uasin-Gishu) attended the funeral.

The Deputy President termed the move by some leaders to call for the withdrawal of Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) in Somalia as ill advised.

He said Kenya would not withdraw its security forces in Somalia in the war against terrorism.

“Terrorists are telling us to withdraw our soldiers in Somalia so that they can take part of our country,” he said.

“Let it be clear that we are not going to allow even an inch of our land to be taken by terrorists,” added Mr. Ruto.

The Deputy President at the same time asked Kenyans to register and enroll in the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) cards.

Mr. Ruto said the Government is committed to a universal health insurance saying MPs and county governments should enroll residents in areas under their jurisdictions get the NHIF cards.

“It is time as leaders we aggressively engage and ensure all Kenyans access to NHIF cards,” said Mr. Ruto

Mr. Ruto called for concerted efforts in ensuring a successful universal health care for all Kenyans.

He said the national government would partner with county governments in rolling out the comprehensive service delivery system by increasing the number of people having access to the cards.

Mr. Ruto said two hospitals in every county would be upgraded to the status of level four and five respectively so as to cater for the medical needs of the people.

“The partnership will transform the access to affordable healthcare for all Kenyans, to enhance the NHIF’s mandate to provide universal healthcare,” said Mr. Ruto.

Condoling the bereaved family, the Deputy President described the late Priscilla Kositany as a humble and strong woman who took education of her children and the community seriously.

President Uhuru Kenyatta in his message of condolence said the late Mrs. Kositany was a hardworking lady who served her family and her country with diligence.

The MPs urged supported plans by the Government to relocate the Daadab refugee camp from Kenya to the neighbouring Somalia saying it had become training ground for terrorists.

“The Government should be tough on the perpetrators of terrorism activities as we support efforts to relocate the refugee camp from this country to Somalia,” said Mr. Kabando