Church says its ready to work with State on insecurity

By PEACELOISE MBAE

Kenya: Religious leaders have raised concern over the rising cases of insecurity in the country.

The leaders who met at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa’s (PCEA) Annual General Meeting at Chogoria Girls Primary School, Tharaka Nithi County said the sporadic terror attacks should be addressed by all means possible.

PCEA moderator David Gathanju said the Church is concerned about terrorism activities that have hit the country hard.

He said the Church was ready to work with the Government to ensure that the country is safe.

Rev Gathanju said insecurity affects many issues in society including development and businesses, which will eventually pull the country behind if not handled.

The leaders told the Government that it should give priority to security of its citizens.  Speaking at the meeting, Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi said the main aim of terrorism is to cause fear in the country, an issue that must be addressed quickly.

Murungi encouraged Kenyans and especially Christians to take courage in order to help the Government handle the situation faster.

He expressed support for the ongoing Usalama Watch Operation saying the Government is on the right track.

“They say when you want to kill a snake, you must hit it on its head.

What the Government is doing is to look for the head and that is the way to make the country safe,” Mr Murungi said.

Echoing his sentiments, Tharaka Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa said every leader should work with the national government to ensure security is attained in the country.

“Let people be identified with the right way to avoid illegal issuing of identity cards,” he said.

Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki said the Government has handled insecurity in the right way by starting various security checks in the country.

“The current Usalama Watch Operation is long overdue and by starting it was the right thing to do,” Mbiuki said.

He said the leadership has shown improvement and dedication to offer Kenya security.  Mr Mbiuki encouraged peaceful coexistence between all Kenyans irrespective of their tribes or religious beliefs.