Parliament must seize security matters urgently

Innocent Kenyan lives cannot continue to be lost unabated while Parliamentarians as their representatives take a back seat. Government is primarily supposed to provide security to its citizens but President Uhuru’s administration so far seems to have bungled the job. Terrorist attacks have taken away many innocent lives and the recent Garissa Attack adds to the concern.

Parliament in its oversight and representation roles has the mandate and power to bring this to an end. Parliamentarians approve budget allocations to the national security organs but these remain shrouded in secrecy which hinders institutional accountability.

Security is a national government function and current assertions by national government officials including the President and Interior Cabinet Secretary appear to be empty rhetoric.  They keep assuring Kenyans of improved security yet insecurity runs rampant, casting doubt on the government’s competence to address security challenges the country currently faces.

In the recent Garissa attack, some politicians like the Majority Leader Aden Duale have stated on their social media accounts that the attack was locally organized by local politicians. These are very leading comments which need to not only be investigated but also urgently addressed.

Hon. Duale is a core leader in government and needs to avail the information he has to security agencies for their action. In previous attacks, politicians have taken to political rallies to castigate security agencies, they however do little on the floor of the house.

As political leaders in this country we have failed in our responsibilities. #Cheche #PowerBreakfast

— Hon. Aden Duale (@HonAdenDuale) April 8, 2015

I can confirm to you that what we are facing as a country is a home grown terror. #Cheche #PowerBreakfast — Hon. Aden Duale (@HonAdenDuale) April 8, 2015

People do not want to accept liability. The time has come that  Parliament must live up to the expectation of Kenyans. #PowerBreakfast

— Hon. Aden Duale (@HonAdenDuale) April 8, 2015

Time has come for people to take full responsibility of the institutions they head. #Cheche #PowerBreakfast — Hon. Aden Duale (@HonAdenDuale) April 8, 2015

We must jointly fight radicalisation #Cheche #PowerBreakfast @UduakAmimo

— Hon. Aden Duale (@HonAdenDuale) April 8, 2015

Following the Westgate attack in 2013, Parliament undertook investigations into the circumstances leading to the attack, the responses and put forward recommendations to avoid such incidences in future. Unfortunately, the report  was watered down. For instance, National Security machinery had received warnings regarding the impending attack, and notes the general laxity by the police over terror warnings, but it left out failures in national security bodies.

Inaction on matters security is a great injustice to Kenyans who bestore their trust and responsibility in their elected leaders. They expect and deserve action to protect their lives, property and safeguard Kenya’s sovereignty.

It has been argued and rightly so that radicalization is the main cause of increased terrorism in the country. The argument that unemployment is the reason is fading away guided by the reality that one of the attackers has been identified as a learned person from an okay family.

This begs the question as to what is the role of Parliamentarians in ending the vice! They attend mosques, visit communities and fund projects in these neighborhoods. Their supporters, friends and staff in their offices know these youths being radicalized or those doing the teachings. They need to heed the President’s call that security starts with you by intervening at this early, critical learning stage.

Politicians have a central role in the lives of people as their words and actions are followed in great measure. They should put their position to good use and avail intelligence to security agencies. Parliamentarians should also be vocal against radicalization in the communities they represent. They owe it to Kenyans both individually and collectively.

Posted by Mzalendo Editor on April 10, 2015

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