PSCU
President Uhuru Kenyatta has deployed the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to beef up security in parts of Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Pokot and Laikipia counties.
The President announced that the National Security Council—which he chairs—has authorised the immediate deployment of KDF to support the National Police Service in restoration of law and order in the volatile areas.
“The deployment will further assist in the disarmament and surrender of illegally held arms,” he said. The President spoke at the Administration Police Training College, Embakasi on Friday, where he presided over the Passing Out Parade of 3,985 officers after completing their nine-month training.
Uhuru said those who have defied orders to surrender illegal arms are enemies of the State and will be dealt with accordingly, adding that the continued deterioration of security in some counties has necessitated the involvement of the military.
“Today we held a session as the National Security Council and agreed to authorise the Kenya Defence Forces to immediately get in and lend support to the National Police Service in terms of manpower and equipment so as to restore security and deal with those who continue to threaten the lives of Kenyans,” said the President.
As a responsible government, Uhuru affirmed his administration’s commitment to guaranteeing the safety of citizens as well as the protection of their property as enshrined in the Constitution.
He said the government, through its extensive work in the security sector, has invested heavily in providing police with better equipment, better working facilities, more vehicles and helicopters to support efficient operations.
Uhuru said the increased investment in the security sector and in the police forces is expected to lead to a fall in crime rate, peace to prevail and incidents of corruption within the police force to become relics of the past.
“We expect to see stronger police-community relations that allow citizens to volunteer support and information to the police forces and act as partners in the maintenance of law and order,” he said.
The President asked police officers to shun bias and reject prejudice in favour of fairness, saying they should cultivate an atmosphere where the citizens they serve will become more trusting and less wary of men in uniform.
Cabinet Secretary for Interior Joseph Nkaissery thanked the President for his support to the National Police Service, especially in the provision of modern equipment and improving their terms of service.
Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and his Deputy in charge of Administration Police Samuel Arachi said the new officers would be posted to rural outposts to deal with among other things cattle rustling, counter-terrorism and other banditry-related activities.
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