Jubilee politicians defend government on Kenya's security situation

MERU, KENYA: Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi and other Jubilee-allied politicians on Sunday defended President Uhuru Kenyatta against the opposition’s claim that he was not tackling insecurity in parts of the country.

The MPs, among them Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), Rahim Dawood (Imenti North) and Ibrahim Saney (Wajir North), lambasted the opposition for claiming the Government’s laxity had compromised security in parts of the country, especially North Eastern.

The politicians, attending a fundraiser to aid Njukinjiru Primary School in Imenti North, Meru County, said CORD and its allies were unfairly critical of the Jubilee Government.

“Insecurity has become a major issue and all of us have a duty to play in making our country safer. The President is working very hard to deal with it, and he needs support from all of us,” said Mr Murungi, adding that the said 28 people who were massacred in Mandera were victims of evil terrorists.

“They are terrorists who ambushed innocent Kenyans travelling in a bus. It is difficult to fight this war, because they operate like the Mau Mau. The President needs support to defeat them,” he said, and warned the opposition from politicizing the insecurity issue.

“Supporters of all political parties become victims of insecurity and it is only right that we all gang up against the common enemy. The Government will defeat the Al Shabaab, because they are mosquitoes; they can disturb our peaceful sleep, but they will not bring down the house,” said Mr Murungi. He advised workers in North Eastern not to leave the region, but continue helping the residents. “I have told my own brother in Mandera to remain there and to continue working for the community. Even tutors should continue teaching in the schools there,” he said.

Nyaribari Chache legislator Richard Tongi said that using the late Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’s burial to undermine the Government, was a show of disrespect and lack of knowledge. He said it was not respectful to take advantage of the burial to throw barbs at the Presidency.

Every patriotic Kenyan and leader should play their part in addressing insecurity, he said.  “President Kenyatta said as much. All of us must be vigilant and give information to security organs, as they work to curb the violence in parts of the country,” said Mr Tongi.  Isiolo North MP Joseph Samal said the entire security machinery was working to contain cases of insecurity by enhancing surveillance and operations.

Wajir North’s Saney, said victims of the insecurity were from across the political and ethnic divide, and so allKenyans must help one another and be watchful. “It is our problem and all of us must come together and deal with it. There is no need of apportioning blame. What we need is unity against attackers,” he said.

Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood said the opposition were using the insecurity to try and score political points. “They won’t succeed,” he said.

Mr Saney said civil servants and those from the private sector must not shun the northern parts of Kenya which have experienced terrorist attacks. “Let Kenyans not be divided along ethnic lines, because we are one.”

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria asked the opposition not to politicize the current insecurity debate to gain political mileage. “Insecurity is a national issue and those who are ranting against the Government with an eye on 2017 should desist. They should be offering solutions, not accusing the Government.

Let all leaders be more responsible and address the problem soberly,” said Mr Kuria. His sentiments were shared by Kitutu Chache law maker Jimmy Angwenyi at the event, also attended by Interior PS Mutea Iringo and his Health and Devolution counterparts Khadija Kasachoon and Mwanamaka Mabruki, respectively.

“KNUT should not ask their teachers to move from north eastern and other areas experiencing insecurity. The Government and all of us are working to address the situation,” he added.” “We must respect President Kenyatta. Those who want to be president can wait until 2017. Law abiding and responsible Kenyans should join hands and play their role in security matters,” said Mr Angwenyi.