MUDAVADI ASSURES OVER SECURITY DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

By Nicholas Kigondu

The government has increased surveillance including police patrols with security agents on high alert as it moves to enhance security across the country during the festive season.

Speaking at Harambee House during a festive season security briefing, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Acting Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National administration Musalia Mudavadi said nothing will be left to chance in the government’s quest to ensure that the country remain safe.

“The Government upholds the rule of law and ensures that any criminal acts are dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law. This underscores our unwavering commitment to uphold the constitution and protect the rights of all.” Assured Mudavadi.

This even as he called on Kenyans to foster a culture of security by partnering with law enforcement agencies through reporting of criminal activities and suspicious behaviour as well as providing information to local authorities.

He said the country recorded a reduction in general crime this year, including offences such as robbery, break-ins, stock theft, vehicle thefts, dangerous drugs, traffic offences, and corruption cases while incidences of vandalism targeting electric power transmission infrastructure has seen an increase over the same period.

He however expressed concern over a worrying trend of emerging cases of femicide with the country having registered a total of 7,107 Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases from September 2023 to date with 100 murders of women recorded from August to November 2024. The unfortunate turn of events saw President William Ruto direct the formation of a Presidential Working Group on Femicide, whose gazettement is expected soon, to deliver actionable proposals to address femicide within three months of its creation.

And with the country expected to record increased traffic on the roads over the festive season, Mudavadi says there will be increased police presence and patrols along major highways, both day and night to monitor and enforce compliance with traffic laws. Other measures include strict enforcement of vehicle roadworthiness regulations, heightened action against illegal and unlicensed PSVs, enforcement of speed limits across all major highways as well as personal responsibility by law enforcement offices.

Among those present during the briefing included Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco, interior PS Dr. Raymond Omollo, Gender and Affirmative Action PS Anne Wang'ombe, Immigration and Citizen Services PS Julius Bitok, Inspector General of the National Police Douglas Kanja and DCI Director Amin Mohamed.