{UAH} Pojim/WBK: Cough Cough!!! Standard Digital News - Kenya : If tough talk could win wars, President Uhuru Kenyatta would have won many battles
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Standard Digital News - Kenya : If tough talk could win wars, President Uhuru Kenyatta would have won many battles
NAIROBI: President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto mark two years in office today at a time when the nation is grappling with insecurity, corruption and unemployment, whose magnitude is fodder for their critics and baggage that could underpin their legacy.
The challenges and the potential impact are so serious that unless they succeed in taming the three-pronged wave and steady the Kenyan boat, as citizens hold onto the edges in fear and trepidation, the Jubilee government's legacy will be jeopardised.
Having taken oath of office on April 9, 2013, the two leaders have worked towards ensuring they deliver on their pre-election pledges, but have had to deal with these problems that are a threat to their performance ratings, and have the potential to stoke public backlash at the polls.
And as the administration's midterm approaches, it is perhaps because of the appreciation of the rising discontent about the slow pace to address the challenges, that the President and his deputy have, for instance, moved to act on complaints of high level corruption by executing a purge leading to the suspension of five cabinet secretaries, among other top officials.
When announcing the drastic action, the President acknowledged that the public was frustrated about the slow pace in dealing with the graft monster, despite tough talk and assurances that his Government would not condone theft of public resources over the last two years.
Equally, the senseless slaughter of Kenyans by terrorists has been greeted with official hard talk, a vow to pursue and bring to justice the perpetrators and a promise that never again will innocent citizens suffer only for the criminals to make a mockery of the edicts by spilling more blood.
But if words could win wars, the terrorists who have been killing Kenyans for the last two years would not be breaching the country's territorial boundary at will.
Top Government leaders, including President Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku and ex-Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo have generously doled out threats of extermination to terrorists and all manner of criminals.
DEVASTATING EFFECTS
If the Government's tough words had the devastating effect of missiles, they would have flattened the enemy bases in Somalia and driven the enemies deep into the Indian Ocean.
Unfortunately, during the current administration's tenure in office, terrorists have staged over 20 attacks, which have claimed the lives of an estimated 500 people. There appears to be a standard response to the attacks.
On September 23, 2013, a day after the siege at Westgate Shopping Mall, where 67 people were massacred, President Kenyatta declared: "Our head is bloodied but unbowed. They shall not get away with their despicable, beastly acts. Like the cowardly perpetrators now cornered, we shall punish the masterminds swiftly and painfully... These cowards will meet justice as will their accomplices and patrons wherever they are... "
Lenku responded: "We can confirm that three terrorists have been killed so far, few others suffered injuries."
Kimaiyo added: "Very few hostages are remaining. We are also closing in on the attackers."
When the terrorists struck in Mpeketoni on June 16, Uhuru read politics and accused security agents of laxity.
"This negligence and abdication of duty and responsibility is unacceptable...We live in a time when our people are vulnerable to reckless leaders and hate mongers who manipulate them to create hate, intolerance and fanaticism. This makes them easy prey to radicalisation and crime...," he said.
On June 17, last year Lenku declared: "Recently, I cautioned that there is a red line beyond which nobody should cross... The red line now has been crossed. Those engaging in incitement of the public will be firmly dealt with in accordance with the law..."
And when terrorists first attacked police in Mandera, Kimaiyo said they were aware that jihadists were planning another attack.
Ruto on November 23, 2014 said: "The Government has launched a manhunt for the terrorists and we have vowed to bring them to justice...Those who think they can take the lives of other Kenyans and go Scot-free have no room in Kenya."
Lenku then said of the attack: "They have been on the intelligence radar and they are known. I can categorically confirm that some decisive action has been taken against these criminal gangs. Their source has also been identified and destroyed."
Kimaiyo responded: "I want to assure the people and residents of Mandera that security in the area will be enhanced and that more officers will be deployed. Public transport will be under armed escort to ensure maximum security of travellers."
Uhuru declared: "We will not flinch or relent in the war against terrorism in our country or region. We shall continue to inflict painful casualties on these terrorists until we secure our country or region."
Exit Lenku, welcome his successor, Major-General (Rtd) Joseph Nkaissery and his promise on taking over: "Let me thank the President for the trust he has bestowed upon me...The country needs serious minds when it comes to security."
The Deputy President, a day after the Mandera attack, responded: "Following this outrage, our security forces swiftly identified, followed and struck the perpetrators of the murders. Two successful operations in their hideouts across the border left more than 100 fatalities and destroyed four 'technicals' and the camp from which this crime was planned."
He went on: "This rapid action underscores a huge victory against regional terrorist networks, and strengthens the promise to deliver security against internal and external aggression. Whilst this achievement cannot be ignored, I will hasten to add that we are working hard to ensure that Kenya is terror-proof in accordance with the best standards."
Uhuru, commenting on the travel advisory by the British government just days before the brutal attack on Garissa University College last week, hit back saying: "I have not heard the British issue travel advisories against Paris. I have not heard the British issue travel advisories against other European capitals...we want to encourage especially our brothers and sisters from the African continent, to travel in Africa. Help us promote this country. Help us tell them Kenya is safe."
But when terrorists struck in Garissa on April 2, killing 147, Kenyatta said: "This is the moment for everyone throughout the country to be vigilant as we continue to confront and defeat our enemies."
Despite the Government's hard-hitting statements and vows to finish off terrorists, including declaration of plans to build a wall along the Kenya-Somalia border, which is considered a gateway for Al-Shabaab militants, Kenyans do not feel any safer.
Worse, the continued gaffes, turf wars and disorganisation among security forces when dealing with intelligence reports, terror alerts and actual hostage situations, particularly among security forces, have undermined the promise that comes with the weighty statements the President and his team have used in regard to Al-Shabaab.
Standard Digital News - Kenya : If tough talk could win wars, President Uhuru Kenyatta would have won many battles
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