Thousands brave chilly weather to take part in fete to honour Kenya’s heroes
What you need to know:
- Mr Joho said he could not understand why the provincial administration and police were unable to contain the drug menace yet they had detectives and intelligence team.
- He said security officers would not relent until they get rid of the gangs. “They should pack their things and take their criminal activities elsewhere.” He was accompanied by Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno and other top county officials.
- In Garissa, leaders demanded immediate issuance of national identity cards youths.
Mashujaa Day was observed across the country on Monday with Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho accusing police of taking bribes from drug peddlers.
The governor said police in Mombasa use patrol cars to collect the bribes. Although the officers know the narcotic sellers by name, they do not arrest them once they are bribed, he claimed.
Mr Joho said he could not understand why the provincial administration and police were unable to contain the drug menace yet they had detectives and intelligence team.
“The police have been a let down in the war against drugs since they take bribes from drug dealers.
“It is appalling that our police cars are being used by some officers to collect cash from drug peddlers in the drug dens.” Mr Joho said residents report suspected drug dealers to the police but the officers do not arrest them because they are only interested in cash.
He warned that it would be difficult for leaders to address the problem if the provincial administration and the police do not play their role.
He was reacting to County Commissioner Nelson Marwa’s comments that drug abuse among youths had increased to alarming levels in the county. The leaders were speaking at the Mombasa County Stadium during the celebrations.
ISSUANCE OF ID CARDS
In Garissa, leaders demanded immediate issuance of national identity cards youths.
Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) Garissa branch chairman Abdullahi Salat said many youths were disillusioned after they found out that they could not obtain the cards because their finger prints were in UNHCR system.
He warned that the youths may turn to crime or join extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab.
Beauty Pageants representing the 48 counties pose for a photo during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on October 20, 2104. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU
Governor Nathif Jama said he had discussed the matter with Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku and a solution would be found.
In Uasin Gishu, County Commissioner Abdi Hassan issued a notice to criminal gangs that authorities would catch up with them.
Addressing the celebrations at the 64 Stadium in Eldoret, Mr Hassan raised concern over an upsurge in crime in the region.
He said security officers would not relent until they get rid of the gangs. “They should pack their things and take their criminal activities elsewhere.” He was accompanied by Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno and other top county officials.
In Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, ward representatives Andrew Kutitila, Betty Kipsongok, Mathew Nyarango and Simon Torotich urged Governor Patrick Khaemba to “clean up his rotten executive team”.
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama (left in black) and his deputy Abdullahi Hussein join traditional dancers during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Garissa.
“No amount of intimidation will make us backtrack on our cause to ensure that we root out all the masters of impunity in our county,” said Mr Nyarango.
In Kisii, Governor James Ongwae said he would focus on construction and expansion of roads, improvement of the health, agriculture and education sectors and processing of agricultural produce.
He also pledged to improve water supply to the county residents and expand markets to enable farmers to sell their produce.
Reported by Mathias Ringa, Abdimalik Hajir, Dave Opiyo, Brian Moseti, Philip Bwayo and Wycliff Kipsang
