Security tightened at devolution conference

By Tobias Chanji and Roselyne Obala

Kwale, Kenya: Security has been beefed up at the Coast as the devolution conference continues in Kwale County, a day after controversial Muslim cleric Sheikh Abubakar Shariff, alias Makaburi, was shot dead.

Participants attending the conference are subjected to security checks, and dozens of security officers deployed at the venue.

As the conference started yesterday at Leisure Lodge Resort and Golf Club, security presence was evident with the Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya assuring all guests that the place is safe.

This is in spite of the current wave of killings related to terrorism in parts of Mombasa and Kwale counties.

Addressing governors and Kenya Private Sector Alliance members, Mvurya assured the participants that the surveillance systems in and around the area is adequate.

“In light of the latest security incidents, the county and national governments have intensified security to guarantee the safety of residents and visitors to the South coast,” said Mvurya.

He added: “We have put in place adequate security measures.”

Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua, who chaired the security discussions, argued that to improve security for businesses and wananchi, the police force must be devolved.

Devolved security

Mbugua, who is a former Administration Police boss regretted that this was an oversight during the Constitution making process.

“The national government should not ignore counties when it comes to national security though this is its mandate,” said Mbugua.

In a separate interview with The Standard, Msambweni OCPD Joseph Omijah said they have deployed a contingent of 390 security officers, including two General Service Unit platoons to provide security.

“Our officers are stationed everywhere. The locals and guests are secure,” he assured. “We will have 390 police officers providing security during the event, even as we continue with our ‘Fagia Diani’ operation,” he said.

Omijah added that all guests visiting Diani would be safe during their stay asking them to enjoy their tours without fear.