Raila responds over scaling down of Uhuru, Matiang’i, Kibicho security
Raila Odinga's Presidential campaign secretariat questions the move to effect changes on the security of Uhuru, Matiang'i, and Kibicho
Raila Odinga’s Presidential campaign secretariat questions the move to effect changes on the security of Uhuru, Matiang’i, and Kibicho.
Azimio leaders have expressed concern over the purported reduction of security details associated with former president Uhuru Kenyatta and former interior cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i, calling the action a political witch-hunt.
After the modifications, the former Head of State’s security detail reportedly had almost 50 officers recalled, leaving him with only a staff of 25 officers.
The security detail for Matiang’i, however, reportedly went from 18 to 2.
In a statement released on Friday, February 3, Raila Odinga’s Presidential Campaign Secretariat Spokesperson, Makau Mutua questioned the decision to scale down Uhuru’s security, who is entitled to state protection under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act of 2003.
He opined that the government would be held responsible in the event lapses were witnessed in Uhuru’s security.
“The security of a former Head of State in America or in a banana republic like Kenya isn’t a political matter. It’s about the security of the state itself.
“Should harm befall a former Head of State, there would be consequences. My two cents,” he stated.
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On her part, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua advocated for the independence of the police from the ruling government’s political decisions.
“Police independence from political influence in decision making and in operations is what informed the police reforms in the 2010 constitution.
“It is, therefore, unfortunate to see successive holders of (the office of the) Inspector General of Police continue to bow to executive pressure despite their constitutional safeguards. The independence of the holder of office shapes the trajectory of the office constitutional safeguards notwithstanding,” she echoed.
Also read,
Matiang’i, Kibicho a target in scaling down Uhuru’s security exercise
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