Governors insist on more say in security decisions

A section of North Rift governors has said that county chiefs should be fully involved in security matters at the national level and in the devolved units.

Uasin Gishu County Governor Jackson Mandago has asked that county bosses be included in the vital docket since they have a unique connection with the electorate who voted them in.

“County chiefs need more engagement, they need more authority in security issues at the county level to ensure the national strategies are well implemented at the grassroots,” he said. Mr Mandago explained that their enhanced consideration in security matters does not in any way suggest devolution of police commands to the county as misinterpreted by some national leaders.

“We are in charge of counties as far as our election to power is concerned, we have a mandate to secure our citizens first since it is illogical to talk about development when people are insecure,” added Mandago. He observed that terrorism is a global concern and all nations should stand together in combating the threat, calling upon developed countries to give support to Kenya in the line of battling the vice. Trans-Nzoia County Governor Patrick Khaemba also called for their full inclusion in security committee teams at the county level, saying they are vital in helping devise strategies to curb insecurity.

“There is need for security organs to involve county governments in combating security threats. We are too privy to imminent dangers and if our voice is considered we can go a big step in combating insecurity,” said Mr Khaemba.

Speaking at Kitale ASK showground during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, Khaemba expressed concern over deteriorating security in the country and proposed that part of the security functions be devolved to tame crime. “We have the capacities to compliment security programmes by facilitating infrastructure development and networking which will massively help security organs to efficiently fight insecurity,” added Khaemba.

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin expressed concern that the current wave of insecurity is likely to destabilise the country’s economy if not addressed with urgency. He said county chiefs had the capacity of addressing insecurity issues if given the mandate by the law. “The National Government should work with governors in tackling insecurity because such issues stem right down from the grassroots where governors are well positioned to coordinate some security programmes,” he said.

He called on the Government to deploy the Kenya Defence Forces at the country’s porous borders in a bid to secure the nation from outside aggression that has led to the death of many innocent citizens.

“Why should we continue sending our soldiers to Somalia to protect another country while our own locals are being subjected to brutality and death at the hands of insurgents?” he posed. The governors agreed that it is important that the National Government collaborate with the counties to address  emerging security concerns.