Six Mandera MPs criticise State over insecurity

Six legislators from Mandera County have expressed outrage over insecurity in the region and faulted the Jubilee government for inaction.

Led by Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow and Mandera West MP Muhammed Mahamud, the lawmakers criticised the President’s decision to revoke the transfer of County Commissioner Alex Nkoyo, during whose tenure terror attacks have claimed 79 lives.

They challenged the President to declare his interest in the region since his administration seemed not to take the security threats in Mandera seriously, if Wednesday’s remarks by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery that the recent attacks were bandit activities are anything to go by.

“Mr Nkaissery confirmed to us that the President called his Principal Secretary Monica Juma to cancel the transfer. Is this a strategy by this Government to destabilise the County Government of Mandera?” Mr Kerrow wondered.

He regretted the fact that despite the numerous attacks, the President and the CS had not visited the region to assess the situation.

They accused Nkaissery of applying double standards.

“This is the height of hypocrisy. One minute he acknowledges that Nkoyo has not performed as required in the seven months he has been in Mandera, the next minute he has full confidence in him,” said Kerrow.

The leaders maintained that they had resolved not to work with Nkoyo and demanded his immediate transfer. The MPs criticised Nkaissery for saying Mandera Governor Ali Roba was not the only one in danger.

“The CS does not qualify to hold public office. Is he implying that Mr Roba has no constitutional right to security or complain when his life is in danger?” asked Mahamud.