War on terror won’t stop, says President Uhuru Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta inspects General Service Unit graduants during their pass out parade in Embakasi, Nairobi, Thursday.  [PHOTO: PSCU]

By CYRUS OMBATI

Kenya: The Government will not relent in the ongoing fight against terror and other forms of crime, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.

The President said for the country to attract investors and other visitors, peace and stability are paramount.

“We are committed to the fight against crime whatever form it may take ranging from terrorism to cattle rustling,” he said.

He also told the police to treat Kenyans with dignity in their resolve to combat terror networks and ‘obey the law as they enforce the law’.

“Also treat Kenyans with dignity to win their confidence,” he said and added the Government would shield those who execute their duties in accordance with the law.

The President spoke at General Service Unit Training School, Embakasi during the pass-out parade for 1,779 recruits who have undergone a 15-month training, yesterday.

He was reacting to the current police operations on terror suspects and criminals at large.

Surrender arms

The President reassured that the ongoing war on terror is not targeted at any religion or community but criminals who pose a threat to stability and economic development.

On illegal weapons, he assured Kenyans that those who voluntarily surrender firearms were covered by the Government amnesty.

“We are giving them two weeks to return them and they will be forgiven. Whatever will happen after that to those who feel like not doing so, they will have themselves to blame,” he said.

The two-week ultimatum ended on April 18.

During yesterday’s event, those present observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the two police officers who died on duty at Pangani Police Station on Wednesday night.

Deputy President William Ruto said police and other security agencies would be equipped with modern technology to match sophisticated weapons owned by terrorists and other criminals. “There are clear signs the security challenges will be overcome,” said Ruto.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku said the ongoing operation only targets criminals and aliens without proper documentation.