Muthama security impasse angers MPs

By ROSELYNE OBALA

Senators have expressed anger at the handling of security matters by the concerned authorities.

The Senate was informed that attempts to access top security chiefs on matters of national interest had proved futile.

The lawmakers were angered by Internal Security and Defense Committee Chairman Yusuf Haji’s failure to explain why Senator Johnstone Muthama’s security had been withdrawn.

In his defence, Haji said he didn’t have a clear-cut answer because he had been unable to see security officials at the Internal Security ministry. “I am frustrated and embarrassed,” Haji told the House

The senators unanimously demanded that Muthama’s security be reinstated with immediate effect.

Siaya Senator James Orengo had sought the statement, saying that the situation is worrying.

“Cases of withdrawal of security by government have led to assassinations as experienced in the 1970’s,” he said.

Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior called on his colleagues to march to Vigilance House to protest the casual manner in which the Government was handling the issue.

Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi Sonko urged the House to censure Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku for failing to address the matter even after a court ruling. “The years of state intimidation are over, the years when Special Branch used to eliminate politicians is over,” he stated.

Senators David Musila (Kitui), John Lonyanagpuo (West Pokot) urged the speaker to give a direction on the matter. “We are in constant communication with Muthama but he cannot even leave the House because he fears for his security,” noted Musila.

Kericho Senator Charles Keter (Kericho) and his Mombasa counterpart Hassan Omar noted that Muthama’s situation was setting a bad precedent as withdrawal of security could happen to any of the senators.

Speaker Ethwee Ethuro termed the matter as grave and directed that Muthama’s security be reinstated with immediate effect.