Media should keep off security matters

Last week there was a story in the media about the Kenya military moving tanks to the north for military exercises.

The media then delved into speculation about these being tanks destined for South Sudan forcing the military to respond and refute the claims.

Military hardware movement happens every month. Unfortunately, due to lack of ‘news’, the media tends to focus on none-issues. That the military is going for training in Pokot is not news, or used not to be news, until now.

Some media reports bother me. For example, why spend two weeks covering a story on why a ship carrying military hardware has not been off-loaded? Those who handle logistics will tell you that off-loading such a shipment requires thorough planning.

So when journalists idle in Mombasa waiting for a ship to off-load, it is poor utilisation of resources because after they witness the exercise, what next?

Besides, why should we discuss our military/security issues in public for our neighbours, friends and foes to witness? Nowhere in the world are military issues fully exposed.

Even in the West, media houses are sensitive to matters that can compromise their country’s security.

When the media churns and spins stories about Kenya moving tanks for SPLM, and thus going against the peace agreement between North and South, the impact may be grave. Do we consider the lives of Kenyans living in Sudan was the country to take the ‘news’ seriously?

All you need is an Idi Amin-type president on the other side for things to heat up.

The Pokot-Turkana region is the most torturous terrain that any officer can be trained on. Our forces have been training and honing their skills there for a long time.

There are days when military vehicles, including tanks, would briefly be deployed to patrol the Pokot-Turkana-Toposa-Karamoja border area due to banditry.

I had friends killed by raiders from Sudan around the Mogilla Hills-Lokichoggio region. This belt is dangerous. Military and police officers have lost their lives there and when necessary, the Government moves tanks or armoured vehicles to beef up security.

In the past, just the presence of a few tanks and one or two Sabre jets patrolling the border has made bandits return stolen trucks and armour.

Calling a press conference to say you saw the Government move military gear from Mombasa doesn’t make you a whistle blower or a hero — unless this is the current brand of heroism Kenya-style. It is gossip.