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Kibaki warns of tough action against MRC and Al-Shabaab
PHOTO | BILLY MUTAI President Kibaki addresses Kenyans during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, on October 20, 2012. NATION MEDIA GROUP
By SUNDAY NATION TEAM newsdesk@ke.nationmedia.com
PHOTO | BILLY MUTAI President Kibaki addresses Kenyans during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, on October 20, 2012. NATION MEDIA GROUP
Posted Saturday, October 20 2012 at 23:30
In Summary
- The Head of State also asked Kenyans to be vigilant, warning that terror groups would fight back because of the Kenya Defence Forces' successes in Somalia
- He declared that local and foreign gangs threatening security would be decisively dealt with, adding that his interest was to leave a united and a peaceful nation when he retires next year
- He spoke amidst security concerns at the Coast and increased terror attacks initiated by retaliating sympathisers of Al-Shaabab and violence carried out by people suspected to be members of the Mombasa Republican Council
- In Mombasa, Coast provincial commissioner Samuel Kilele asked the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) leaders to surrender to the security forces
President Kibaki on Saturday warned that the crackdown on criminal and secessionist groups would continue as he called on the public to cooperate with the security agencies in flushing out those who threaten the peace.
The Head of State also asked Kenyans to be vigilant, warning that terror groups would fight back because of the Kenya Defence Forces' successes in Somalia.
"Let it be known to those who seek to harm us that we will not relent in the work we have begun. We shall get the job done, until we have order and security," he said. "Those who seek to harm others should come out and let's see them."
The President spoke at the Nyayo National Stadium when he led the nation in celebrating Mashujaa Day.
He called for a peaceful campaign and urged candidates to accept the election results.
He declared that local and foreign gangs threatening security would be decisively dealt with, adding that his interest was to leave a united and a peaceful nation when he retires next year.
"Let it be known to those who seek to harm us that we will not relent in the work we have begun. We shall get the job done, until we have order and security. Indeed, the gains we have made call for our continued vigilance as the forces of terror will seek to fight back. Kenyans should work closely with our security forces and the provincial administration so that we flush out all dangerous elements who threaten our security," the President said.
He spoke amidst security concerns at the Coast and increased terror attacks initiated by retaliating sympathisers of Al-Shaabab and violence carried out by people suspected to be members of the Mombasa Republican Council.
In Mombasa, Coast provincial commissioner Samuel Kilele asked the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) leaders to surrender to the security forces.
The PC, speaking at Tononoka grounds, said the government would mercilessly deal with the secessionist groups and declared war on those administering oaths to youths.
"No government will accept a breakaway of part of its country. MRC has tested the government with machetes. I hope they are prepared to see our response," Mr Kilele warned. He said the police would arrest witchdoctors who are administering oaths to the machete-wielding youths.
"We also call upon those possessing illegal weapons to surrender to security agencies, priests and Imams," he said.
Top presidential aspirants including Prime Minister Raila Odinga, his deputies Uhuru Kenyatta and Musalia Mudavadi and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka also attended the event.
Addressing the nation for the last Mashujaa Day as President Mr Kibaki reminded Kenyans of his commitment to the rule of law adding that he would live by his oath to defend the Constitution.
Gangs operating at the Coast have threatened to disrupt the elections in the region amidst secession calls by the MRC, a move that has seen political leaders from the area withdraw from political events for fear of attacks by the group's sympathisers.
MRC have also threatened to disrupt national examinations at the Coast as part of the plans to scale up their rebellion.
"As a government we will take firm and decisive action in dealing with those who have issued threats of secession or those who threaten our security. Kenya is one unitary state," President Kibaki said.
The President commended the Kenya Defence Forces for their successful mission in Somalia. He said the capture of Kismayu was a sign of success in the mission to restore peace and stability in the neighbouring country.
Kibaki warns of tough action against MRC and Al-Shabaab - News - nation.co.ke
