Diaspora members call on Government to beef up security

Members of the National Super Alliance (NASA) diaspora group have condemned the killing of Chris Msando.

In a statement issued in Nairobi, six members of the group that is supporting Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga said the killing of Msando, an ICT manager at Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is suspect.

The group members also condemned that attack at Deputy William Ruto’s where a security officer lost his life and others were injured.

“It is with deep regret that we lost Msando who was murdered in a grisly way. We also condemn the incident which happened at Deputy William Ruto’s where a security officer lost his life and others were injured,” said George Osewe, the group’s chairman.

He added, “We urge government to provide security at this critical time to assure Kenyans that they can go out and vote peacefully.”

Joseph Nyaringo, the secretary of the group warned Government against dragging military into the country’s democratic electoral process.

“Our attention has been drawn to the pronouncements made by the acting Cabinet Secretary for Interior Dr Fred Matiang'i and his Defense counterpart Raychelle Omamo on the Kenyan military’s involvement in the coming election,” Nyaringo said.

He pointed out that it is regrettable that the two CSs have mislead the country by justifying the deployment of military in the coming elections.

“Kenya is at peace with its neighbouring countries. There is no attack externally, our sovereignty has not been threatened whatsoever and what Government is doing is scaring the citizens by creating unnecessary panic,” Nyaringo said.

Bella Akinyi, the group’s coordinator, noted that if the military were to be deployed to serve internally, the same is effected only if, the Presidency calls top security organs for deliberations and the plan approved by Parliament.

Dr Vincent Chesire, said it is unfortunate for Ms Omamo, a lawyer by profession, to misinform people.

“One wonders why the same mitigating steps being advocated by the two CSs, were not taken during the 2007/2008 post-election violence when the country was in a real crisis,” Chesire said.

He said the crises facing the country now are insecurity which can be dealt with using other disciplined forces other than military and high cost of living and the cholera outbreak.

“Therefore, the latest imbroglio by the Jubilee CSs is not only misplaced but also a sign that the current government is out to stifle democracy five days before Kenyans elect their leaders,” Chesire said.

Alex Kinyanjui said members of the diaspora, are moving forward to mobilize global opinion against moves by the current regime to position Kenya as a hot spot for strife and violence.

“We cannot afford to have our foreign investment jeopardized by blatant lies perpetuated by the ruling elite,” Kinyanjui said.

Tom Mogondo called for peaceful elections that are free, fair and credible.

“Leaders should desist from using peace as a benchmark to justify their ill-intentions. Peace is tempered in social justice, equity and equality. Dragging the military into domestic democratic processes is completely wrong,” Mogondo said.