Internal Security minister Katoo ole Metito takes office at a time the country is facing serious security challenges.
There have been calls from different quarters for the two principals in the Coalition Government, President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, to fill the position after the death of George Saitoti on June 10.
The urgency to fill the position has been sparked by a wave of insecurity. The bloodbath in Tana River County is the worst where communal tension has resulted in the killings of 110 people. Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and Mombasa have also had huge security challenges.
Defence minister Yusuf Haji had been appointed by Kibaki to hold the docket in an acting capacity.
As we congratulate Mr Metito on his appointment, we hasten to remind him the task ahead is onerous. This is because the security of every Kenyan and property is paramount. The minister takes office at a time many Kenyans feel the Government has let them down on security matters. Metito therefore has a duty to reassure us that he will restore confidence in the security machinery.
Equally, the country is going through a politically charged period, with the General Election expected on March 4. At the same time, we have not forgotten the dark chapter the country went through after the 2007 elections: Over 1,200 people were killed, 600,000 were displaced, and property worth billions of shillings was destroyed.
Mr Metito, your work is cut out, and Kenyans expect immediate results.
