MPs divided on how to tackle insecurity

KAKAMEGA, KENYA: Members of parliament from Western Kenya have expressed a divided opinion on how to tackle cases of insecurity cases in the country.

Some leaders want the country intelligence unit to be reprimanded, while others ask the president to take responsibility over the insecurity and suggest a quick ejection of Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) from Somalia.

Though the MPs Mary Emase (Teso South), Andrew Toboso (Butere) Raphael Otaalo (Lurambi) and Arthur Odera (Teso North) decried the rising cases of crime in the country, they differed on ways to confront the menace.

Emasse blamed the National Intelligence Services (NIS) saying their ‘inability’ to gather efficient intelligence information has left the country at the mercy of terrorists and criminals who continue to kill Kenyans.

She urged the NIS director Michael Gichangi to improve the unit information gathering tactics to ensure they give specific tips to the police to help curb the frequent attacks rocking the country.

"The NIS has to pull up their socks to ensure police are given specific and timely tip off to help prevent the attacks. You cannot just say attacks are expected soon, that's a generality that cannot be regarded as intelligence information.

We as MPS have made sure we have increased funding to security docket and it's up to Cabinet Secretary in charge and his team to up their game," said Emasse.

Toboso said it is the duty of the government to protect the lives and properties of its citizens and explained that president Uhuru Kenyatta is responsible for rising insecurity as the head of government.

He observed that despite increased cases of insecurity, the entire formation of security team has remained intact even as there is no efficient services delivered.

"The entire security of the country is a responsibility of the president as head of government. He has all powers in the constitution to ensure he protects Kenyans. He has delegated his mandate to others. Since the Westgate attack where he promised to leave no stone unturned, no decisive step has been taken," said Toboso.

Lurambi MP said the government should recall KDF from Somalia and deploy them along the Kenyan borders to combat external attacks and boost internal fight against organized crime.