Give more power to spy agency, Cotu boss appeals

Kenya: The Central Organisation of Trade Union (Cotu) has asked Parliament to review the law to empower the National Intelligent Service.

The workers union said NIS officers should have powers to arrest and be armed as was the case previously with the now defunct Special Branch Unit.

Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli, in a statement, pointed out that there exists a big disconnect between NIS and the regular police force.

“Even the police force has done a good job as a whole but they have been totally unable to arrest the situation alone including deterring frequent terrorist attack in the country,” said Atwoli.

He asked the Government to stop the ongoing vetting of senior officers to restore confidence in the police force.

Atwoli also appealed to the Government to reconsider its position on calls for national dialogue, but said it should not be a preserve of a few individuals within the CORD and Jubilee.

“The national dialogue should instead bring together and involve all stakeholders, social partners, civil society groups, trade unions, industrialists, employers and religious leaders,” he said.

He also pointed out that based on the divisions the country was experiencing currently, the Government should work with pressure groups.

“Simply because we are executing our mandates as enshrined in both our national and own constitutions, the Government should not view pressure groups as enemies. Instead we should work together for the good of the country,” said Atwoli.

He urged Kenyans to offer their full support to President Uhuru Kenyatta in order for his Government to deliver to Kenyans.