“It
will be a great betrayal for anyone of us to pretend oblivion while
next door, someone is assembling bombs, hoarding illegal weapons, or
detaining a kidnapped child”/PSCU
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The government has emphasised the need for all Kenyans to embrace security at a personal level in a bid to curb crime.
Addressing the nation at the Nyayo Stadium on Sunday while presiding over Mashujaa Day celebrations, President Uhuru Kenyatta said that his government will not relent in ensuring the country’s safety was not at risk.
“We want to be a country at peace with itself, and with its neighbours. From time to time, therefore, we may be required to intervene externally to keep our country, and our neighbours safe. We have not been found wanting in that regard and we stand ready to act whenever required,” he stated.
He said that the government is investing in equipping the security forces to have sufficient capacity to deter and contain all forms of violence and criminality.
He however noted that, “The first rule of security is vigilance: we must know everything and everyone around us. It will be a great betrayal for anyone of us to pretend oblivion while next door, someone is assembling bombs, hoarding illegal weapons, or detaining a kidnapped child.”
“We must protect our country from all threats to the national fabric.
We have withstood terrible violations by terrorists who have attacked
our people and caused much grief and suffering,” he said.
Speaking of the ‘Nyumba Kumi’ initiative which is a security
programme under community policing recently launched by the Interior
ministry, the Head of State urged Kenyans to fully support the
programme.
“Let us do all we can to protect our country, our people and our
prosperity. In doing so, let us realise the holistic scope of our
security threats and work on each accordingly.”
Under the Nyumba Kumi programme, Kenyans will restructure into 10
households under a clear leadership that will be responsible for
security.
Already, the government has started formulating a legal policy that
will ensure communities take a central role in their own security in a
similar programme run in Tanzania.
“We support the community policing as an effective strategy in the
fight against crime and has put in place measures required; this will
enhance partnership between the police and community,” Interior Cabinet
Secretary Joseph ole Lenku had said during the launch of the programme.
Kenyatta said the government will continue initiating programmes that will help the youth be well established.
“My government is doing everything in its power to transform our
society to enable every individual actualize their full potential. We
will wholeheartedly observe our constitutional responsibility to promote
national unity, eliminate all forms of discrimination and
marginalization,” he assured.
“Most importantly, we have provided the opportunity for youth, women,
and persons living with disability to thrive as entrepreneurs. I call
upon all leaders and wananchi across the country to promote national
cohesion, both in word and in deed.”