Raila criticises President Uhuru Kenyatta, calls for arrest of those behind Lamu killings

[Ab-Titchaz]

Sack Lenku over insecurity, says Raila

By ISAAC ONGIRI
In Summary

• Raila criticised President Kenyatta for saying in a televised address that the attacks were politically motivated by political networks and described the President's statement as "rushed judgment".
• Raila has maintained that all Cord rallies, including the Saba Saba day rally scheduled for Nairobi next month, will continue as long as the government is unwilling to initiate the talks that the opposition has demanded.

Cord leader Raila Odinga Wednesday rejected calls to suspend the planned Saba Saba rally in Nairobi and denied claims that he was responsible for the Mpeketoni attacks in Lamu in which 60 people were killed.

Mr Odinga asked President Kenyatta to immediately start a major overhaul of the national security system.

He said Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku and his defence counterpart, Ms Raychelle Omamo, were incompetent and should either resign or be sacked.
Addressing a news conference at the Serena hotel in Nairobi, Mr Odinga also called for the removal of National Intelligence Service chief Michael Gichangi, Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations director, Mr Ndegwa Muhoro.

(READ: MPs file motion to impeach Lenku)

Other top security officials that he demanded should be kicked out include principal secretaries Mutea Iringo (Interior) and Monica Juma (Defence). According to him, all had failed in their duties.

He also criticised President Kenyatta for saying in a televised address that the attacks were politically motivated by political networks and described the President's statement as "rushed judgment".

He said the President's position intentionally contradicted the opinion of other countries and experts who have blamed Al-Shaabab for the attack.

(READ: Uhuru blames massacre on tribalism, hate politics)

In his statement, Mr Odinga also accused the state of negligence in handling the killing of over 20 Imams and other Muslim leaders at the Coast, suggesting that this was to blame for the escalation of insecurity in the region.

Asked directly by a journalist whether he was responsible for the attacks Mr Odinga stated: "That is what I have said throughout this statement though he (the President) did not mention my name. I don't know whether that is what he implied but for the government to come out to say that those rallies are to blame for the attacks is to trivialise a big national disaster."

He described Mr Kenyatta's statement as "unfortunate and unjustified" for many reasons.

"More importantly it is likely to compromise the investigations to be conducted to determine and establish the masterminds behind these brutal attacks," he said.

Condemning the massacre in Mpeketoni, Mr Odinga said there was absolutely no reason why the ongoing Cord rallies should be suspended.

[READ: Pain, terror and death]

One of the reasons Cord has been touring the country was to talk about the deteriorating insecurity. He, however, warned that there could be more trouble if the country was not reconciled through dialogue.

"We want to condemn in the strongest terms possible claims that our rallies may have contributed to the attacks. This is untrue. As Cord we will continue with these rallies because it is now clear that there is need for dialogue," he said. "Our rallies are discussing top national issues for which we are demanding national dialogue. These include security, corruption, devolution, elections and unity of Kenyans."

He maintained that all Cord rallies, including the Saba Saba day rally scheduled for Nairobi next month, will continue as long as the government is unwilling to initiate the talks that the opposition has demanded.

[READ: Raila declares Saba Saba ‘public holiday']

On Friday, Cord is expected in Kisii where its leaders will address their third rally.

Wednesday, a group of MPs from both Jubilee including Kajiado Central's Joseph ole Nkaissery (ODM) and Abdulswamad Nassir (Mvita) appealed for the suspension of the rallies.

"I am urging my brother Uhuru to move with speed to create room for dialogue so we can talk about the stay of our military in Somalia, insecurity, elections, corruption and national unity," Mr Nassir said.

Mr Odinga, who was accompanied by various Cord MPs, said that the coalition was not interested in seizing power from the Jubilee administration or engaging in power-sharing talks.

"We have made it clear that we are not interested in overthrowing government or discussing how to share power. Tumesema hata robo mkate sisi hatutaki. Tumewaachia wachukue boflo yote (We are not interested even in a slice of the bread. We have left the whole loaf to them."

[READ: I resisted pressure from supporters to storm State House, says Raila]

On Tuesday, President Kenyatta, while reacting to the attacks in Mpeketoni and Maporomoko, alluded to the existence of intelligence information suggesting political incitement which he blamed on what he termed the polarising political rallies, ethnic profiling and hate politics.

Wednesday, Mr Odinga told the President to seize the moment and use his position to unite the country.

"The President is the head of National Security Council which exercises supervisory control over national security organs," he said.

"We urge him to overhaul and reconstitute Kenya's security organs so that they can promote and guarantee national security and ensure that recruitment by the national security organs reflects the diversity of the Kenyan people in equitable proportions."

Sack Lenku over insecurity, says Raila - Politics - nation.co.ke

 

[Ab-Titchaz]

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[Ab-Titchaz]

Resign, Kenyans in Diaspora tell Interior Security CS Joseph ole Lenku

Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku. Photo | FILE

By BMJ MURIITHI

News of Sunday's Mpeketoni terror attack made headlines across the world on Tuesday even as Kenyans in the Diaspora urged the Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku to take full responsibility and resign.

International media houses gave prominence to the gruesome attack that left dozens dead and hundreds injured at the Kenyan coastal town.

Some questioned the resolve of the government to tackle terrorism as Kenyans in different parts of the world posted messages of condolences to the families of those killed in attack.

Some took to social media asking Mr Lenku to admit that he "has failed, relinquish the Security docket and save Kenya more bloodshed."

"Why can't President Uhuru Kenyatta listen to wise counsel and replace the Ole Lenku with a more competent person to man the Security docket?" Jose Maina posed on Twitter.

"How many more deaths will it take for the President to eat humble pie and admit that he got the wrong man for a critical Ministry?" asked Jeniffer Katimi.

"In the civilized world, when something like this happens, officials resign. Why doesn't it happen in our beloved country? Does the president think that is a sign of weakness?" John Kamanu of Orange County, California said on Facebook.

According to the New York Times, some embassies in Nairobi are contemplating pulling out their staff.

"Western embassies in Kenya are now considering withdrawing personnel as many Western diplomats and Kenyans alike fear security services are too corrupt and disorganised to stop the Shabaab," said the paper in a report published on Tuesday.

"The recent assassinations of several Islamist clerics, who many Kenyans believe were killed by secret government hit squads, and government roundups of ethnic Somalis have heightened mistrust and anger among Kenya's sizable Muslim population.

"Many Kenyans fear the battle against the Shabaab will be a long and unpleasant one, and already it has dented the economy, with tourism down significantly this year," it added.

The Washington Post said US ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec has warned the embassy staff against visiting the coastal region.

"The attack highlights the growing incidents of Islamic extremist violence in a country that was once viewed as the bastion of stability in East Africa, drawing tourists from around the world for safaris and beach holidays.

"The US ambassador made Kenya's entire coastal region off-limits for embassy employees after the attack," the New York Times said.

Another newspaper in Australia said the US, UK, France, Australia, and Canada have all upgraded their terror threat warnings.

"US Marines behind sandbag bunkers are now stationed on the roof of the US Embassy in Nairobi," the Australian, quoting Associated Press (AP), wire said.

A message on the BBC website said: "Are you in Mpeketoni? Have you been affected by the recent activities? You can email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the title 'Mpeketoni'."

The terrorist attack comes days after the UK government closed its consulate in Mombasa citing heightened security threats.

Last month, the US said corruption among Kenyan government officials is a major impediment in the war on terrorism in the East African region.

"Endemic corruption, limited resources and insufficient training of law enforcement officers are to blame for the rise in cases of terrorism in Kenya," the Department of State said in an annual report released on May 1, in Washington DC.

It also cited lack of meaningful engagement by the Kenyan government to address radicalisation and extremism.

Since the Westgate Mall attack in September last year, President Kenyatta has been under pressure from a section of Kenyans to replace Mr Ole Lenku at the Interior Ministry with some citing lack of experience in security matters.

Some members of Parliament have even threatened to impeach the CS.

Resign, Kenyans in Diaspora tell Interior Security CS Joseph ole Lenku - Diaspora - nation.co.ke

 

[Ab-Titchaz]

When angry crowd humiliated Lenku



By JOHN NGIRACHU

[h=3]In Summary[/h]

• Nothing much had been going on in the town that morning. When news circulated that the security team would be going there, many showed up to listen to what they had to say.
• Every time Mr Lenku asked for an opportunity to speak, the crowd shouted him down, saying all they wanted was to see results immediately.

A trip to Mpeketoni turned out to be a nasty and humiliating surprise for Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku and the security chiefs in his train when they were shouted down by angry survivors of the attack that claimed 49 lives.

Public anger was palpable when the military helicopter carrying Mr Lenku and his team landed at Lake Kenyatta Primary School on Tuesday.

"What are you doing? Tell us what steps you are taking; What is happening?" the crowd shouted at the minister.

Many were angered by what they saw as the government's slow response to the Sunday night attack.

Nothing much had been going on in the town that morning. When news circulated that the security team would be going there, many showed up to listen to what they had to say.

Administrators had set up a tent on one end and placed a table at the front, comfortable metal chairs for the people at the table and blue plastic seats for those who would sit behind them. The meeting would eventually not happen because the people crowded around the team and they could only make impromptu remarks interrupted by the shouting.

Every time Mr Lenku asked for an opportunity to speak, the crowd shouted him down, saying all they wanted was to see results immediately. He would answer them by appealing for calm and pledging that the government had taken charge of the situation.

"Do we calm down when lives are at stake?" the crowd asked.

The meeting was probably the first time the Cabinet Secretary was coming face-to-face with the public angry at him and the government he was there to represent.

The reporter present told the Nation that the situation was partly saved by Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko, who had travelled there on his own.

Mr Sonko's appearance calmed the crowd down as did the arrival of Lamu West MP Julius Ndegwa.

Mr Simon Muguro, a resident, who was pointed out as an opinion leader, told the Nation that residents were angry because there appeared to be a lack of political will to ensure they got adequate security.

He said the residents also felt that the officer in charge of Mpeketoni Police Station did not mobilise an adequate response to the attack, which started after 8.30pm on Sunday and ended, by most accounts, at about 1.30am.

The police station was among the first targets to be hit when the attack started.

"We have told Lenku that the county commander, the OCS and the OCPD should be moved. We want a neutral person in charge here," he said.

Other accounts from survivors suggested that the first police officers got to the town at 4.30am.

When angry crowd humiliated Lenku - VIDEO - News - nation.co.ke

 

[figganigga]

Lucy Wanjiku and her two children seat next to the coffin with the body of her late husband Francis Kamande who was murdered on Sunday night during the Mpeketoni attacks. [PHOTO: Gideon Maundu/STANDARD]


Kenya: Opposition leader Raila Odinga responded to President Kenyatta's suggestion that CORD's political activity paved way for the Mpeketoni attacks.


Raila termed the President's remarks as "rushed judgment" that "could undermine investigations". The former Prime Minister took issue with the President's linkage of the attacks to what he called "local political activity", and a political wing he described as "reckless", "hate-mongers" engaged in "ethnic-profiling".


The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy has been holding rallies to pressurise Jubilee to agree to national dialogue, with the latest one held in Tononoka Grounds, Mombasa last Sunday, ahead of a national one scheduled for Saba Saba (July 7).


Raila refuted claims he was planning to overthrow the Government and said after CORD lost the petition at the Supreme Court, the coalition had moved on.


Raila demanded the sacking of Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku and Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo, Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo and Principal Secretary Monica Juma, Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo and CID Director Ndegwa Muhoro.


He accused them of incompetence and dereliction of duty.


See Also: Uhuru concedes security lapse, blames Raila rallies
The CORD leader also called for the overhaul of the security organs "so that they can guarantee national security". He urged that recruitment by the national security organs reflect the diversity of the Kenyan people.



Raila challenged Uhuru's administration to punish those behind the recent attacks, arguing there had been a trend to blame violence on politicians who are never brought to justice.


"Nobody is above the law. No Kenyan other than the President enjoys immunity from prosecution. The law should take its course and nobody should be spared in the hunt for and prosecution of criminal gangs and terrorists who have compromised the safety and peace in the republic," Raila argued.


"CORD condemns the massacre in Mpeketoni and states categorically that violence is not a means to achieving legitimate political aims or objectives," Raila told a press conference at Serena hotel in Nairobi yesterday.


He responded a day after the President said the attacks in Lamu were "well-planned, orchestrated and politically motivated ethnic violence against a Kenyan community and not an Al Shabaab terrorist attack".


The former premier said the President's statement was unfortunate, unjustified and likely to compromise investigations to establish the masterminds of the brutal gun attacks


"The president's statement ignores the position taken by other countries and experts that the Al Shabaab were indeed responsible for these attacks and that Al Shabaab never claims responsibility for attacks it has not carried out," he added.


He wondered why security forces failed to act in time even after the National Intelligence Service had supplied information before the attacks.


"It defeats logic that NIS had information on the attacks which suggest there was knowledge of those planning them yet no decisive or concrete steps were taken both at the local or national level," Raila said.


Raila also called for the establishment of a competent and independent Judicial Commission of inquiry to investigate and establish the circumstances surrounding the Westgate Mall terrorist attack and the Mpeketoni massacres with a view of prosecuting the perpetrators.


"The President is the head of the National Security Council which exercises supervisory control over national security organs. The primary role of the national security system is protection against internal and external threats to Kenya's territorial integrity and sovereignty, its people, their rights, freedoms, property, peace, stability, prosperity and other national interests," Raila said.


Reacting to reports he had suggested that the president ‘would be shaved' Raila said Uhuru was his younger brother and his culture does not allow that. "I never said am going to shave the President. I am a Baba and the President is my younger brother and that is not even allowed in my culture," Raila said.


See Also: Uhuru concedes security lapse, blames Raila rallies
Islamic leaders



He accused the government of failing to unravel the mystery surrounding widespread killings in the last eight months despite citing political motives for the attacks.


He gave the example of the killings in Western Kenya and of some 21 Imams and other Islamic leaders in the Coast.


"In the last eight months or thereabouts there have been widespread and systematic killings, some bordering on genocide, in several parts of the country, including Bungoma, Busia, Samburu and Tana River."


He went on: "The same reasons and motives have been given by the government and political leaders have been blamed for the incidents. In the end there have never been any serious and successful prosecutions."


He accused President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto of failing to protect Kenyans and their property leaving them vulnerable to terrorists. "The president and the Executive, including the national security organs have been given the power, instruments and competence to ensure there is peace and security prevailing in the land. They should not be heard to be complaining in an unending vilification of leaders or engaging in constant blame-games."


The deteriorating security situation was a wakeup call for the government to convene a national dialogue to deliberate on the way forward, he added.


Dialogue


Raila insisted CORD would continue with its scheduled rallies to demand for dialogue on serious issues facing Kenyans. "We will continue with our rallies because what has just happened confirms the need for national dialogue. Our meetings are about consulting Kenyans.


"Our programme for rallies will continue. One of the issues we are addressing is security and there is urgency to deal with this issue. We need to come together sooner rather than later. We don't want to travel the path of other countries where people refused dialogue and ended up with problems. What I am trying to do is to try to avoid the problems countries where leadership have refused to listen to calls for dialogue have ended up with," Raila said.


He added: "I know he (president) wants dialogue. He said it on Madaraka Day but 24 hours later the hardliners had prevailed upon him to reject dialogue. I appeal to him to listen to his conscience and have us reason together so that we can develop our country peacefully."


The ex-PM also asked the government to define and limit Kenya's security objectives in Somalia. "We must ensure that our engagement in Somalia is time bound and does not mutate into a military occupation," he said.

Source;standardmedia

 

[Ab-Titchaz]

 

[kadoda11]

kumekucha kenya.sisi yetu macho.

 

[kambitza]

Raila: Uhuru is like my younger brother I cannot shave him

Nairobi, Kenya: CORD leader Raila Odinga denied claims that he wanted to take over the government and stated that he was not interested in joining the government. While addressing the press in Serena hotel Nairobi he accused President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto of failing to protect Kenyans and their property leaving them vulnerable to terrorists.

Raila also termed the President’s remarks on Mpeketoni attack as “rushed judgment” that “could undermine investigations”. The former Prime Minister took issue with the President’s linkage of the attacks to what he called “local political activity”, and a political wing he described as “reckless”, “hate-mongers” engaged in “ethnic-profiling”.

Reacting to reports he had suggested that the president ‘would be shaved’ Raila said Uhuru was his younger brother and his culture does not allow that. “I never said am going to shave the President. I am a Baba and the President is my younger brother and that is not even allowed in my culture,” Raila said.

Raila demanded the sacking of Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku and Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo, Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo and Principal Secretary Monica Juma, Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo and CID Director Ndegwa Muhoro.

The former Prime Minister insisted CORD would continue with its scheduled rallies to demand for dialogue on serious issues facing Kenyans. “We will continue with our rallies because what has just happened confirms the need for national dialogue. Our meetings are about consulting Kenyans.

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy has been holding rallies to pressurise Jubilee to agree to national dialogue, with the latest one held in Tononoka Grounds, Mombasa last Sunday, ahead of a national one scheduled for Saba Saba (July 7).

 

[Yule-Msee]

Leo anajifanya eti mtu mzuri, twa mjua, alisema kinagaubaga watu watie maji ama watanyolewa bila kama jirani

 

[simplemind]

Leo anajifanya eti mtu mzuri, twa mjua, alisema kinagaubaga watu watie maji ama watanyolewa bila kama jirani

Jirani yupi amenyolewa?

 

[Yule-Msee]

Jirani yupi amenyolewa?

Hilo hakusema, inaweza kuwa Salva Kiir kwani yeye tu ndiye jirani ambaye karibu alitimuliwe mamlakani

 

[Ab-Titchaz]

Raila writes to Uhuru for dialogue on key issues

Cord leader Raila Odinga addressing a rally at Migori stadium, June 14, 2014. Opposition leader Raila Odinga has written an open letter to President Uhuru Kenyatta on the need for a structured dialogue on key national issues.

[h=3]In Summary
[/h]

• Mr Odinga proposes inclusivity and national unity, devolution, corruption, the electoral process and national security as the issues for discussion.
• He noted that the country had experienced various challenges and problems that may tear the country apart if not addressed.
• At the end of the letter, the Cord leader assured the President that the dialogue is not meant to interfere with his tenure but to convey the messages of Kenyans as gathered during the coalition’s rallies across the country.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has written an open letter to President Uhuru Kenyatta on the need for a structured dialogue on key national issues.

Mr Odinga proposes inclusivity and national unity, devolution, corruption, the electoral process and national security as the issues for discussion.

In the letter, the Cord leader acknowledges that he accepted the verdict of the Supreme Court on the election and called for national unity, adding that his coalition did not intend to interfere with the the ruling Jubilee coalition's tenure.

"Last year after the Supreme Court heard and determined my petition challenging the presidential elections, I accepted the verdict. I did that as a true believer in constitutionalism and the rule of law and declared that Kenya is greater than any one of us."

"So I offer the hand of peace and an olive branch so that we may 'dwell in unity, peace and liberty' and in happiness and prosperity."

Mr Odinga however noted that the country had experienced various challenges and problems that may tear the country apart if not addressed.

"I have chosen the path of dialogue as the lawful and sensible way of dealing with what the country faces today," he said.

"There are obvious signs that if we do not confront these problems and challenges now through a structured process of national dialogue then the road to peace will be thorny and difficult."

He added that the opposition does not want to share power with the Jubilee administration and neither does he as the opposition leader seek any office reward.

"We have a constitutional mandate as the opposition in parliament and as a coalition of political parties. However, the problems and challenges facing the country cannot all be addressed as an exercise of law making or oversight. Nor can they be resolved on the basis of the classical interplay between the three arms of government."

"All sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and the people may exercise their sovereign power directly. The national values and principles of governance include participation of the people. We are seeking national dialogue within the context of the Constitution and not outside it."

He stated that on inclusivity and national unity, the constitution provides for competitiveness and transparent processes of appointment of state officers and the promotion of gender equality in the management of public affairs in order to reflect the country’s diversity.

"These are the standards and the imperatives set by the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya. Less than a year after the last general elections, several communities are feeling excluded on the basis of ethnicity, identity or gender."

On the issue of devolution, the former Prime Minister stated that one of the objects of devolution is to ensure that there is equitable sharing of national and local resources throughout Kenya as provided for in the constitution.

"The funds allocated to the counties must be based on the audited accounts of the financial year immediately preceding the current financial year. The county governments have lost nearly 600 billion shillings in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 because the National Treasury has used outdated accounts for the purposes of sharing of revenue between the national government and the county governments."

RAMPANT CORRUPTION


Mr Odinga said corruption in the country is rampant and has compromised the flagship projects of Vision 2030 and development projects.

"Anglo Leasing related companies is shrouded in mystery and raises questions of lack of integrity, transparency and accountability. The Standard Gauge Railway project, which is a key and vital development in the expansion and modernisation of Kenya’s infrastructure, has raised serious credibility concerns."


On the issue of electoral process, Raila noted that the problems the country experienced in the 2007 and 2013 general elections are still there thus a need for a review and overhaul of the commission.

"I want Kenya to develop a political culture based on the proposition that elections should not be remembered through the repulsive images of disputes and even conflicts that arise after every election but rather by the power and might of the ballot exercised and cast in freely contested democratic election."

In the letter, Mr Odinga tackled the issue of security, saying national security organs have important functions of protecting life, freedom and property.

"The security organs need the unequivocal support and cooperation of the people particularly by denying terrorists and criminal elements sanctuary in our land. But we have been hit very hard and complacency and firefighting activities will not rid Kenya of terrorist attacks."

"People have lost confidence in our national security system and feel disappointed with the incompetent leadership at the head of our security and intelligence organs. Questions are also being raised about our military operation in Somalia not in terms of its validity or legitimacy but in terms of longevity and lack of clear operational objectives."

He noted that this year alone the country has lost many lives and it may turn out to be the worst year since the 1998 attacks on the American Embassy.

"To deal with this sequel of terror and its fatal and devastating effects the nation must sit and dialogue together and in unison combat terror and other invasions to our peace, prosperity and the rule of law."

At the end of the letter, the Cord leader assured the President that the dialogue is not meant to interfere with his tenure but to convey the messages of Kenyans as gathered during the coalition’s rallies across the country.

"We have been holding very peaceful rallies as a way, under the Constitution, of engaging the people in an open and public discourse on how we can make Kenya great and prosperous; a free nation, a people liberated and an independent country in the international community of nations."

The calls for national dialogue started with the opposition and dominated Raila’s homecoming rally which was held at Uhuru Park.

Since then, the opposition has been calling for a public dialogue even as the President proposed for meetings with the leaders to discuss national matters.

Raila writes to Uhuru for dialogue on key issues - Politics - nation.co.ke

 

[sawa]

urais wa kuiba kura una gharama zake ndio hizo za uhuru na ruto
nchi aikaliki ni siasa tu wanaendekeza hawa vijana wa digital