No Christmas break for security officers: Uhuru

All police and the national government administration officers will not break for Christmas, according to a new directive issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang’i said Wednesday that the president has also ordered security officers to be on a high alert during the festive season bearing in mind the ongoing political upheavals in the neighbouring countries.

He spoke during the installation of Senior Principal Chief Roika ole Shira at Kekurro location in Kajiado County.

Early last month, the National Police Service (NPS) cautioned that the political strife being experienced in the neighbouring nations may have an impact on Kenya.

“As an immediate neighbour to some of the affected countries, Kenya may be adversely impacted by the consequences of the event,” NPS Spokesperson Mr Bruno Shioso said, calling on Kenyans to notify the police of the presence of aliens in their neighbourhoods.

Roadblocks have been erected in various parts of the country and are being manned by senior officers as part of the security arrangements.

Members of the public have also been advised to exercise caution and vigilance in their surroundings and when driving to avoid accidents.

The police have also been on high alert following the twin explosions that hit Uganda's capital Kampala mid last month in which three people were killed and 33 wounded.

An atrocious act

Security was beefed up in all installations and towns across Kenya and along the border points following the incidents, and members of the public were urged to stay alert and report suspicious activities to the nearest station or using the toll-free lines 999/112.

“The National Police Service (NPS) assures the public of their security and safety following terror-related incidents in our neighbouring country earlier today. Our sympathies to victims and families who were affected by such an atrocious act,” NPS tweeted on November 16.

Kenyans will be breaking for the Christmas festivities next week when Christians all over the world will mark the birth of their Biblical saviour Jesus Christ amidst heightened tensions in Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and Mozambique.

The festive season also comes at a time when many Kenyans are suffering from financial strain following the long effects of the Covid-19 pandemic that left many jobless and without a means of earning a livelihood.

It also comes at a time when the country is readying itself for a highly emotive general election.

Already, the government is engaging boda boda riders through their Saccos to tame them from being used by politicians to commit acts of hooliganism and crime during the ongoing political campaigns.

Chiefs and their assistants are under instructions to demonstrate loyalty to the government of the day and to unequivocally support its projects and policies.

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