Nairobi — The National Security Council chaired by President Mwai
Kibaki has ordered the deployment of the Kenyan Military to flush out
bandits who killed police officers and stole their arms.
A statement issued from the Office of the President on Tuesday night
said the council had "authorised the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to be
deployed in Samburu County and other areas to provide support to Kenya
Police Service in apprehending the bandits and recovering stolen animals
and arms."
The council meeting which made the resolution was also attended by
Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.
Under the constitution, the national Security Council also comprises
of the Ministers for Defence, Foreign Affairs, Internal Security, the
Attorney General, Chief of Defence Forces, the Director of the National
Intelligence Services and the Police Chief.
"The National Security Council regretted and condemned the heinous
act of killing law enforcement officers," the statement said, adding
"The National Security Council directed all national security organs to
liaise closely in restoring peace and security in the area."
"The Council also directed the fast tracking of peace, reconciliation
and disarmament exercises in all the affected areas countrywide," it
added.
The Council also sought to re-assure the public that "everything will
be done to ensure the culprits are apprehended and dealt with in
accordance with the law."
The directive by the council followed the killing of police officers
who were ambushed in Suguta Valley, Samburu County on Saturday as they
pursued stolen animals.
Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere told journalists earlier on Tuesday
that the officers were ambushed as they headed for a security operation
to flush out bandits and recover animals they had stolen from manyattas
in Samburu.
"The operational strategy was okay, but it is unfortunate because
they were ambushed two kilometers from the manyatta they were headed to
recover the animals. It appears the strategy leaked to the bandits,"
Iteere said.
Some civil society organizations led by the Kenya Human Rights
Commission (KHRC) have called for Iteere's resignation, but he has vowed
to stay put.
"I am not to blame; the nitty gritty of the operation strategy are
left to the commanders on the ground. Those calling for my resignation
are exercising their constitutional right. They are entitled to their
opinion," he said.
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