Minister declines to table armed forces list

Parliament reacted furiously to refusal by the Government to disclose details of the new recruits to the armed forces.

The MPs were angry to a response by Defence Assistant Minister David Musila that disclosing the details would be prejudicial to national security. "We cannot reveal the national numbers of those recruited and their details, as by so doing we will be compromising the State secrets."

But MPs John Mbadi, Moses Lessonet, Benjamin Washiali and Gitobu Imanyara said there was nothing wrong with Parliament getting all details on all issues concerning Kenyans and governance. "This is a constitutional House where any information desired has to be made available. The minister must stop hiding behind the official State secrets not to reveal what the House wants," said Lessonet.

Washiali (Mumias) said when he wanted details of recruits from his area, the same was made available by the same minister and wondered why he was finding it hard to disclose countrywide details.

Kisumu Town West MP Olago Aluoch said by seeking to invoke State confidentiality, the minister was flouting the new Constitution, adding the law empowered Kenyans to access all sorts of information, including the so-called State secrets.

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