I won’t let you down: Joseph Nkaissery

Joseph Ole Nkaissery during his swearing in as Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Co-odination of National Government at State House, Nairobi on December 24, 2014. PHOTO | PSCU

What you need to know:

  • The Security Laws (Amendment) Act, has sparked controversy with the opposition (Cord) moving to court to block it on grounds that it contravenes the Bill of Rights.
  • For the last few years, the country has been under threat of attack by Al-Shabaab terrorists from Somalia who have vowed to revenge the presence of Kenyan troops into their country.
  • President Kenyatta had been under pressure to sack Mr Joseph ole Lenku from the Interior ministry. This also saw the Inspector General of Police, Mr David Kimaiyo, volunteer to retire early.

Major-General (Rtd) Joseph Nkaissery on Wednesday took over as Interior Cabinet Secretary with a pledge secure the country’s borders — to win the war on terrorism.

“I will ensure that there is security for all Kenyans and I want to say that I will never let you down,” a tough talking Mr Nkaissery said while addressing a press conference outside Harambee House immediately after he was sworn in at State House, Nairobi.

He also sought to assure the public that the new security laws passed by the National Assembly last week, only target terrorists.

“They are not directed at law abiding citizens but terrorists, their agents and criminals who seek to harm us all,” he said, adding that the new law only aligns the existing ones and seals loopholes in the security sector.

“I have no doubt that it (the law) will assist greatly in the protection of Kenyans and Kenya.”

NOT ONE MAN ARMY

However, the CS said solving the security issue would not be his work alone.

“It will require each and every one of us to address all the threats that impede Kenya from realizing her dream. I will need each and every Kenyan to restore sustainable security to our country.”

The Security Laws (Amendment) Act, has sparked controversy with the opposition (Cord) moving to court to block it on grounds that it contravenes the Bill of Rights.

Kenya Human Rights Commission also went to court to challenge the new law, which they have termed unconstitutional since it was passed without public participation.

However, Mr Nkaissery’s appointment to head the security docket by President Kenyatta was received positively and the public is anxiously waiting to see the changes he will make.

For the last few years, the country has been under threat of attack by Al-Shabaab terrorists from Somalia who have vowed to revenge the presence of Kenyan troops into their country.

One of such attacks was at the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi last year that left at least 67 people dead and over 175 others injured.

KENYATTA UNDER PRESSURE

President Kenyatta had been under pressure to sack Mr Joseph ole Lenku from the Interior ministry. This also saw the Inspector General of Police, Mr David Kimaiyo, volunteer to retire early.

During the swearing-in ceremony by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, the President said the government settled on Mr Nkaissery after wide consultation.

“We sought a qualified citizen who can deliver on security matters he was the right person,” he said.

Prior to his appointment, Mr Nkaissery was the Kajiado Central MP, a constituency he has served for the past 12 years.