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Resist unlawful commands to harm opposition, Matiang’i tells security chiefs
Former Interior and Coordination of National Government Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi.
Jubilee presidential flagbearer Fred Matiang'i has asked national security officials to obey the Constitution and avoid perpetuating the culture of impunity that has characterised the country in the recent past.
Dr Matiangi accused the Government of taking the country back to the dark ages of disrupting opposition meetings.
His sentiments come amidst mounting pressure for the arrest of those who attacked former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a church function in Nyeri.
It has now been more than five days since Mr Gachagua was attacked, even as Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen promised investigations and subsequent action. This is the latest in over 20 incidents in the last year and a half, yet there have been no reported interrogations or arrests of suspects.
Dr Matiang'i stated that crimes must be dealt with as such instead of politicising issues and making criminals look like heroes, a move he described as dangerous for the country.
"They don’t have to succumb to political pressure because the law and the constitution protect them. The time has come for us to strengthen and embolden our national security leaders by telling them they don’t have to obey unlawful instructions. Let them resist what is unlawful," said the Jubilee Deputy Party leader.
He added: "As we build up to the General Election, it is fundamental that we advise the national security infrastructure. I am privileged to have served in that sector for five years. It is time that our security leaders understood why this constitution was amended, re-written, and re-issued. It provides sufficient safeguards and protection to those officers who want to do the right thing and follow the law."
The former Interior CS was speaking in Nyamira on Friday on the sidelines of condoling with several bereaved families at his home village of Nyansiongo. He questioned why the attackers have not been arrested yet, despite promises by top people in government.
Repeated queries
He regretted that holders of top security offices are allowing insecurity to persist as if we are a banana republic, noting, "Let them resist unlawful instructions and refuse to break the law. They should not facilitate violations of the law by politicians."
"What has been done about those who attacked innocent children in church with guns and teargas? I am asking my fellow citizens, my brothers and sisters in the national security infrastructure, because I know most of these people and respect them, and I know their capacity," said Dr Matiang'i.
Security chiefs have ignored repeated queries about the status of investigations into Sunday's violence, in which armed men in plain clothes, backed by police vehicles, were caught on camera firing live ammunition and teargas, while other assailants hurled stones, disrupting the service at Witima Anglican Church in Othaya.
Dr Matiang’i said: " Former Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinett told me 'No' several times regarding things I would have liked to do. With due respect CS, he said, this is not allowed under the law. I know they are capable of doing a good job. They should not be intimidated. They shouldn't fear, because that's the oath of office they took."
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