Shakahola Massacre: CS Kithure Kindiki Apologizes, Acknowledges Our Failure to Protect Kenyans
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has admitted that the government slept on the job, resulting in the murder of over 300 Kenyans in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County, by a doomsday cult.
Prof. Kindiki stated on Friday in Lamu, after a three-day tour of the county, that the Shakahola cult massacre would not have occurred if security agencies, community leaders, and religious leaders had been vigilant.
Similar to what President William Ruto did last month, CS Kindiki apologized to Kenyans for the failure of both the past and present governments to prevent the deaths of hundreds of innocent Kenyans at the hands of preacher Paul Mackenzie and his religiously-masked cohorts.
Prof. Kindiki warned that security officers who fail to perform their duties will no longer be transferred, but will instead be terminated.
Criminals hiding behind religious beliefs
“It is regrettable that criminals hide behind religion. Some individuals pose as Muslim and Christian clerics and pastors. Such as the Shakahola massacre. In actuality, I would like to apologize to Kenyans today, just as our president did. Laxity on the part of both the previous and current government regimes in Shakahola led to the tragic deaths of a large number of residents. This is not something I take lightly. This issue began many years ago. “The Shakahola issue would not have reached this level if our security agencies, religious leaders, and community had been vigilant,” the CS stated.
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He urged security agencies in Lamu and across the nation to collaborate closely with local communities in their daily operations to effectively combat terrorism, radicalization, drugs, and other crimes.
“If security and the community maintain close ties, it will be impossible for the enemy to penetrate their bond. Prof. Kindiki stated that a free flow of information would essentially guarantee a safer Lamu and Kenya.
Lamu County has borne the brunt of terrorist attacks by al-Shabaab militants for years, resulting in the deaths of dozens of security officers and residents across the county.
This week, suspected al-Shabaab militants ambushed a security vehicle with a land mine on the Lamu-Garissa border, killing more than eight officers and injuring others.
Prof. Kindiki expressed his condolences to the families of the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. And stated that the government was in the process of modernizing security equipment. To enable the security agencies to effectively combat terrorists and bandits.
Modern security apparatus
“The government has set aside twenty billion shillings for the purchase of modern security equipment, including armored vehicles, sophisticated guns, and drones,” said the chief of staff.
ALSO READ: Exclusive:Kindiki Discovers Fully-Equipped Mackenzie Residence in Shakahola Forest, Complete with Dam and Farm (Photos)
Governor Issa Timamy, who was present at the Lamu Old Town meeting in Mkunguni Square. Pledged to work with the national government to ensure that Lamu and the country remain peaceful.
Mr. Timamy also urged the national government to assist the county in resolving historical inequities. Particularly about land and road infrastructure in Lamu East Sub-County.
“We value the efforts made by our security agencies to maintain peace. However, the primary issue here is land. The federal government ought to address this matter with the urgency it merits. Once these issues are resolved, Lamu will be at peace for all time, according to Mr. Timamy.
Shakahola Massacre: CS Kithure Kindiki Apologizes, Acknowledges Our Failure to Protect Kenyans
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