NAIROBI, Dec 26 (BERNAMA-NNN-KBC) — Divisive politics is a major threat to the unity which Kenya needs to be able to confront the terrorism and other forms of crime which it currently faces.
“Terrorists attacks on Kenyans are not based on political affiliation, religious or ethnic backgrounds. Let us come together and confront the common enemy,” President Kenyatta added here Wednesday at the swearing in of Major-General (Rtd) Joseph Nkaissery as Cabinet Secretary (Minister) for Interior and Coordination of National Government.
Calling on leaders both in the government and opposition to rise above partisan interests and discuss issues of benefit in a sober manner, the president said politicians should practise mature politics and desist from opposing everything for the sake of it.
Stressing that the government had picked Gen Nkaissery to fill the post after wide consultations, he added: “We sought a qualified citizen who can deliver on security matters and Gen Nkaissery was the right person.”
He said the recent security laws amendments were aimed at resolving challenges faced in the fight against terrorism and was not intended in any way to curtail freedoms enjoyed by Kenyans.
Stating that Kenyans would not not be cowed by terrorists, he said: “They cannot intimidate us. We will never surrender even when they hit us. We will follow them wherever they are.”
Prior to his appointment, Gen Nkaissery was the member of Parliament for Kajiado Central, a constituency he had served for the past 12 years. He served in the Kenya Army for more than 30 years and was an Assistant Minister for Defence for five years.
His nomination as Interior Cabinet Secretary was approved by the National Assembly on Thursday last week after vetting by the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments.
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