Kibaki warns of tough action against MRC and Al-Shabaab

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.

“I would like to reiterate that Kenya’s only interest in Somalia is to bring peace, stability and eventual prosperity to our neighbours. We would like to see our 700,000 Somali brothers and sisters who live in refugee camps safely return to their motherland,” the President said.

He said the Kenyan forces in Somalia would not stay as long as security in the country is restored.

The President announced that voter registration would begin next month and called on Kenyans to use the opportunity to register.

“The government is fast-tracking the issuance of national identity cards to Kenyans who have attained the age of 18 years to enable our youth take part in the elections. Taking part in an election is the sure way of influencing the political and economic destiny of your county and nation,” he said.

Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka, who also addressed the event, also called on Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to register as voters.

“Next year will be a very important year in our history. It will be an election year and the golden jubilee as we mark 50 years after our independence. We will set aside one week to celebrate our golden jubilee in style and remember our heroes,” the PM said.

The VP celebrated the country’s heroes but said the strides made by the modern-day heroes should not be forgotten.

“When the history of this nation is written everybody will remember President Kibaki for having led us into the new constitution. He is indeed one of our heroes.”