Help us fight crime, President Uhuru Kenyatta tells Kenyans

A group of suspects arrested for loitering in Nakuru town on Saturday night. They will be arraigned in court today. [PHOTO: KIPSANG JOSEPH/STANDARd

By BRYAN TUMWA

Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta  has reiterated his Government’s commitment to ensure that Kenyans’ lives and property are protected.

Uhuru, who was speaking a day after one of the victims of insecurity (baby Satrine Osinya’s mother) was buried in Samia Sub County, said the Jubilee administration would ensure those bent on causing harm to civilians are defeated.

“Next year we want to recruit more than 10,000 youth into the police service to bolster security in the country,” he said, adding that security was the responsibility of all Kenyans and not police officers alone.

The President urged residents and county governments to support the Nyumba Kumi initiative to help police tackle the runaway insecurity.

“We cannot leave security matters to police alone. Those who are at the borders must help us to nab terrorists coming from outside the country. Any shifty characters who are not known to locals must be reported to police,” said Uhuru.

Uhuru, who was accompanied by his Deputy William Ruto, spoke during a thanksgiving service to commemorate one year since assuming office at Madende Primary School in Nambale Constituency, Busia County.

He lashed out at politicians criticising his Government over the measures it has taken to stem insecurity, saying they should instead contribute towards finding a solution to the crisis.

The visit to Busia was the President’s first tour of the county.He feted Gift Osinya, the boy who caught national attention by rescuing his brother Satrine after he was shot in the skull, for his heroic gesture.

Baby Satrine Osinya is still recuperating in hospital after doctors successfully removed the bullet from his skull.

Ruto reassured Kenyans that security would be enhanced to enable businesses to thrive.

“The Government is committed to ensuring that criminals of whatever kind are not allowed to roam free. We will ensure that there’s peace to enable farmers to grow food and ensure businesses are able to thrive to build a prosperous nation.”

Other leaders who attended the anniversary include Senators Amos Wako (Busia), Charles Keter (Kericho) and Mike Sonko (Nairobi).

Cattle rustling

And speaking separately at Chesta Girls Secondary School in West Pokot County after laying a foundation stone for the proposed Chesta Teachers Training College, Ruto said cattle rustling, poaching, female circumcision and other ills have no place in the modern world.

“We want children to go to school and people to engage in agriculture and other income generating projects which can uplift their living standards, but not useless activities like cattle rustling and female circumcision,” said the DP.

He assured residents along the Kerio Valley that the Government has put in place measures to end the constant conflicts in the area.