Governors demand more roles in Kenya's security management

NAIROBI: Governors want more involvement in dealing with security issues in the face of incidents such as terrorism and cattle rustling.

The governors argue that despite hundreds of lives being lost, the national government has sidelined them in security affairs.

And Wednesday, the county chiefs got support from the Senate's national security committee chairperson Yusuf Haji who said the national government must devolve some aspects of security.

Haji told off those who say governors cannot head security teams since they are politicians.

"If you say governors are politicians, what of the President who is the commander-in-chief? Is he not a politician yet he commands security forces?"

Outgoing Council of Governors Chairperson Isaac Ruto said although it is the national government's role to secure citizens, the role of county governments must not be ignored adding that Kenya should learn from countries such as India, Canada and the US which have devolved systems.

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"County governments do not seek to usurp the national government's role in provision of security services. The council believes it's important the two levels of government work together," he said.

Ruto said in as much as they seek to chair county security teams, the President retains the ultimate role as commander-in-chief and can overrule any governor.

The leaders were speaking at a consultative meeting between the national and county governments held at a Nairobi hotel Wednesday that is seeking ways to handle the runaway insecurity.

The county chiefs said the County Policing Authority chaired by governors is yet to be operationalised.

During the meeting, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery asked the Senate to fast track a law enabling governors to be part of security affairs. Nkaissery also supported a bill by Baringo North MP William Cheptumo asking Parliament to consider making cattle rustling a capital offence.

The CS also revealed that contrary to a promise by Northern Kenya leaders to provide a list of terror sympathisers and possible financiers, that is yet to happen.

"Don't ask me, ask Duale," Nkaisserry told journalists, adding, "I am curious to see that list too since I think the time they gave us has lapsed."

He said the ministry would start distributing motorbikes to all chiefs from next month to ensure they hold regular security meetings in their areas. Nkaissery also appealed to the Judiciary to expedite hearing of cases.