We will stand firm against terrorism, says President Kenyatta

Police officers display an AK 47 rifle and flags that were recovered at the Masjid Musa Mosque in Majengo, Mombasa on February 2, 2014. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• "Under no circumstances will we allow places of worship to be used to radicalise our youth," says President Kenyatta
• The remarks came in the wake of violent clashes at the Masjid Musa Mosque in Majengo,

 

 

 

By NATION REPORTER
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President Uhuru Kenyatta has issued a stern warning against the use of places of worship in the radicalisation of Kenyans.

Speaking at the launch of the Security Sector Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, President Kenyatta also said the country would stand firm in the fight against terrorism.

"We are a tolerant society, we respect all religions, but under no circumstances will we allow places of worship - be it a church, a temple or a mosque - to be used to radicalise our youth and threaten the lives of Kenyans," the President said.

MOMBASA CLASHES

The remarks came in the wake of violent clashes at the Masjid Musa Mosque in Majengo, Mombasa on February 2. (SEE PICTURES & VIDEO: How police raided Mombasa mosque)

Conveners of the meeting at the mosque had in the previous week distributed leaflets inviting youths from all walks of life to take part in the gathering meant to spread jihad ideologies.

The one page posters pinned on walls of numerous mosques and other public areas around Mombasa listed laws on Jihad and the rites of martyrs among the topics for discussion.

The youths had hoisted flags resembling those used by al-Shabaab terrorists at the mosque for the duration of the meeting.

Violence broke out after police arrived and surrounded the mosque to stop the gathering. (READ: Muslim leaders condemn radical youths after mosque raid)

TIME UP FOR CORRUPT OFFICERS

President Kenyatta also warned that time was up for public officers who have made corruption a way of life in conducting government business, saying the officers at all levels must focus on service delivery instead of cutting deals if they wished to keep their jobs

“In my office, there are people who think that it is a house for making money. We must agree it has to come to an end,” the President warned. “Watu wajipange (let people prepare themselves). Something will happen soon.”

The President was categorical that those who have been given the responsibility to manage government funds must ensure the financial resources are used for the intended purposes.

“The money allocated for security must go to equip the police and fuel police vehicles and not find its way into individuals’ pockets,” President Kenyatta said.

He expressed confidence that the security initiatives would succeed in boosting security and urged all Kenyans to support it.

“I shall periodically monitor the incidents of crimes. During the life of the initiative, I expect to see a significant and verifiable reduction in crimes: and particularly crimes against persons,” the President said.

He emphasised that there must be an immediate and noticeable improvement in the ease with which ordinary Kenyans can access security documents, including birth certificates, national identity cards, passports and work permits.

“We promised an unprecedented mobilisation of modern technology in the fight against crime. Under this programme, Nairobi and several other urban areas will see CCTV cameras installed,” the President said, adding that the government plans to establish a Central Command-and-Control Centre that will enable security agencies and the public to seamlessly share information are complete.

On the welfare of the disciplined forces, the President said the government has started building a pilot scheme for police housing at Ruai Police Station in Nairobi.

“That initiative will not be confined to Nairobi; it will be rolled out in all 47 counties in the months to come,” the President said.

He said an insurance scheme for security officers will also be established by July this year.

“This is a matter of priority to my government. So let me emphasise that this is only the beginning: my government will continue to demonstrate its commitment to your welfare,” he said.

The President also affirmed his commitment to completing the reforms in the police services.

“Our support for the process is clear: the Police Service Commission and the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) received all the help we could muster,” he said.

Other speakers included Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero, Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku, Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo and Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) Representative, Mr Fred Kagwa.