Take action against top security chiefs, House team tells President Uhuru Kenyatta

Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Administration Chairman Asman Kamama.

Nairobi, Kenya: Parliament’s National Security and Administration Committee now wants President Uhuru Kenyatta to take “decisive action” against top security chiefs over Mpeketoni attacks.

Reacting to the attacks that left over 50 people dead, the committee said President Uhuru Kenyatta should crack the whip and effect changes in the security system to avoid further loss of lives.

The committee chaired by Tiaty MP Asman Kamama sent a stern warning that it was not business as usual.

“Enough is enough. The President must crack the whip and take decisive action against security agencies that are sleeping on the job. The President is intelligent enough to understand what we mean,” Kamama said yesterday while addressing the Press at Parliament Buildings.

Kamama said they were concerned that even after issuing several ultimatums on the need to tighten security, Kenyans continue losing their lives.

The committee faulted the intelligence system saying the Lamu attacks could have been prevented if they had advised on possible attacks.

Kamama listed Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku, Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo, National Intelligence Service (NIS) headed by Michael Gichangi, and Inspector General David Kimaiyo as those who should face action.

The committee also wants the Government to investigate the possibility that separatist Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) could have been involved in the brutal killings that happened on Sunday and Monday.

“We will not rule out the possible role of MRC in the attacks since the areas affected are not far from other areas attacked by the same group two years ago. This must be investigated as well,” Kamama added.

Committee warns

The committee warned that it would use other constitutional procedures to ensure top officers take responsibility for laxity if the President fails to implement their petition.

“If the President fails to take action, then we will sit down as a committee in due course, say six months, and use constitutional means that include standing orders in Parliament or impeachment against those officers,” the committee chair said.

The committee also want the Government to take action against political inciters.

“We have information from Interior Cabinet Secretary that there are political inciters. If they have evidence concerning such allegations, then they should take action,” said Kamama.