Leaders call for sacking of security minister over ineffectiveness
Two MPs have called for the sacking of Internal Security minister, Prof George Saitoti. Two MPs said Saitoti had proved to be an ineffective minister to be entrusted with the critical Internal Security docket. Bumula MP, Mr Bifwoli Wakoli, said Saitoti had clearly shown that he was unable to run the ministry since taking over from Mr John Michuki. Speaking during a tour of displaced victims in Trans Nzoia, Wakoli said it was unfortunate that Kenyans were suffering in makeshift camps while Saitoti gave lip service. “Saitoti is unable to do his job. President Kibaki should relieve him of his duties and appoint someone who is ready for the job. He could even pick me,” said the MP.
Saboti MP, Mr Eugene Wamalwa, Kimilili MP, Dr Simiyu Eseli, and Kangundo MP Mr Johnson Muthama, accompanied Wakoli. Muthama, who begged Kibaki to appoint him Internal Security minister for only a day, supported Wakoli’s sentiments. “How can we joke with gangs who barricade roads, burn houses and loot property?” he asked. But Wamalwa appealed to the Government to send more security officers to Trans Nzoia.
The MP said security forces in the district had been overstretched and outnumbered by thugs who regularly terrorised residents before retreating to Kabolet and Mt Elgon forests. He suggested that the Government send choppers to survey the forests and flush out the criminals who took advantage of the terrain to outwit the police. “Let this be the last time we are appealing to the Government to perform its constitutional duty of providing security to all citizens,” he said. Eseli said his constituency had witnessed a high number of displaced families, with many coming from Mt Elgon District. He appealed to the Government not to close camps, saying the security of the displaced people was not guaranteed.
East African Standard
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