CORD senators blast Uhuru over spiralling insecurity

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) senators Wednesday turned the heat on President Uhuru Kenyatta's government following Monday's massacre of more than 50 people in the Rift Valley, a month after terrorists killed 148 in Garissa.

Thirteen senators, who first spoke at a Press conference at Parliament Buildings but reiterated their concern on spiralling insecurity during debate in the Senate Wednesday, said the Government was in "deep slumber" as bandits butcher innocent Kenyans.

The senators did not have kind words for President Uhuru Kenyatta whom they accused of "sleeping on the job" as terrorists laid siege in parts of the country.

They revisited the appointment of Inspector General of Police (IG) Joseph Boinett, claiming the deteriorating security situation could be as a result of sabotage within the force.

Led by Minority leader Moses Wetang'ula (Bungoma), they cited the recent border conflict and cattle rustling that had rocked West Pokot and Turkana counties where dozens had lost their lives.

"The country's state of security is wanting. It is sad that in excess of 100 lives have been lost in the boundaries conflict in West Pokot and Turkana. It is the duty of any State to protect its citizens, yet what we are witnessing is a continued cycle of pain and loss of lives and property," said Wetang'ula.

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Senators Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Hassan Omar (Mombasa), Chris Obure (Kisii), David Musila (Kitui) and Janet Ongera (nominated) took to task the Senate Committee on National Security vice chairperson Fatma Dullo (nominated) for defending the the Government.

Ms Ongera threatened to rally women against the Government if the declining security situation is not addressed.

"Almost 90 per cent of the victims of the clashes in Pokot and Turkana are women and children. Very soon, we will not sit back and watch our women and children massacred," she said.

"The President's inaction on this matter is worrying. Kenyans are also in fear that there might be elements of sabotage among the security forces, since 400 senior officers were bypassed to ensure Boinett lands the IG job," said Khalwale.

Dullo defended the government, saying there was no sabotage among officers, noting that accessing areas like Suguta Valley where bandits escape to is impossible.

"This valley is a very dangerous place. No one can go there. The security of all Kenyans is fundamental. It is a matter affecting all and we will soon invite all security officers for a meeting," she said.

Wetang'ula stressed that citizens cannot supplement what the Government is mandated to do by law.

"Nothing has changed despite the numerous lives lost. The citizens continue to be more hopeless. This Government must style up by taking an active role in ensuring the people's security or property," said the senator.

He noted that in mature democracies, somebody should have taken responsibility over the many deaths in the country.

"The attack at Garissa University by Al Shabaab where 148 people perished is the third largest student casualty witnessed in the world after similar attacks in Russia and Pakistan. Surprisingly the President has not made any effort to visit the region," said Wetangula.

Omar emphasised the government was bound to protect its citizens.