Omamo refute claims that KDF spokesperson J M Owuoth is missing

 

Defence CS Raychelle Omamo(R) with her PS Saitoti Torome(C) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) spokesman Joseph Owuoth leave after addressing the media at Defence Forces Headquarters in Nairobi on Tuesday 01/08/17. Owuoth has been confirmed alive after allegation that he was missing.[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

The military spokesperson has denied reports that he had gone missing.

Colonel J M Owuoth made the statement just hours after Kisumu Senator Anyang' Nyong'o claimed he was missing and could have been killed.

There were fears after claims his family did not know where he was. However, Owuoth reassured the public he is well.

"I am safe and well. I am discharging my duties normally. In Africa, people have big families. I have a big family and I have been in constant contact with all my family members," said Owuoth, who was in uniform.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo termed Prof Nyong'o's statement as 'irresponsible'.

"We wish to inform the public and members of the KDF in particular that Colonel J M Owuoth is not missing. He is well and alive," said Omamo, who spoke at the Department of Defence headquarters.

She termed the senator's statement as 'alarmist' and a threat to national security. Omamo said the claims had also caused Owuoth's family a lot of anxiety.

"These kinds of statements are also aimed at destabilising, fracturing, and causing division and disaffection within the ranks of KDF," said Omamo.

She added: "Such statements precipitate fear and apprehension across the country. I urge politicians to leave the military out of their activities."

At the same time, Omamo said her ministry had investigated the documents the National Super Alliance (NASA) had released to the media, claiming the military would be involved in rigging elections and found that they were not authentic.

"We can state categorically that these documents are fake in all aspects," Omamo said.

Owuoth declined to comment on the documents. "The hearing is set for September 3, 2017, and it will not be correct for me to make a comment on issues already in court," said Owuoth.

Omamo urged Kenyans to remain peaceful before, during, and after the elections.

She said the military would remain politically neutral and professional in the discharge of its duties.

NASA leaders have claimed that the government was planning to use the military to steal Tuesday's elections.

Jubilee has denied the claims and urged NASA to keep the military out of politics.