Catholic bishops call for security system overhaul

John Cardinal Njue and Rev Martin Kivuva (left) of Machakos Diocese address a press conference at St Thomas Aquinas Seminary, Nairobi, Friday. [PHOTO: MOSES OMUSULA/STANDARD]

By SOPHIAH MUTHONI

Kenya: The Catholic Church has called on President Uhuru kenyatta to reorganise the national security structure in the wake of escalating terror attacks.

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops said Kenyans find themselves in a “rule of fear” situation.

They say fatalism has taken control of the country because the National Intelligence Service has failed in its responsibility to gather crucial information that could have forestalled terror attacks.

“Our country is experiencing what can be described as an emerging culture of death. Many Kenyans have died in the past few weeks either through terrorist attacks, illicit brews, robberies or road accidents,” said Catholic head John Cardinal Njue at a press conference at the St Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Lang’ata, Nairobi.

Influx of guns

The bishops raised concern that an influx of guns and other dangerous weapons had hit alarming levels in a country once known as the oasis of peace. “Kenyans cannot go to places of worship without fear or board public transport with the assurance of getting back home alive,” he pointed out.

Njue asked Kenyans to remain vigilant and co-operate with security agencies, reminding the Government of its responsibility to protect Kenyans. At the same time, he called out on security agencies to carry out operations within the confines of the law.

“We will not tire to remind the Government of its constitutional mandate to protect lives and provide basic services. This duty cannot be delegated or ignored,” said Njue.

These sentiments were reinforced by Reverend Peter Kairo of Nyeri, saying the police were custodians of peace. “The police reforms should be accelerated and implemented for the sake of Kenyans and we continue to urge the Government to strengthen the intelligence system,” he said.

He also asked all leaders to refrain from utterances that might divide Kenyans along religious, political or ethnic lines.

Security matters aside, the Conference hit out at members of the county assemblies (MCAs) who have been threatening governors and other county government officials with impeachment at the slightest provocation, saying the trend is dangerous for the country.

Corruption at both national and county level was another matter the Conference wants adddressed.