Police Spokesman Charles Owino said Joho was initially assigned 15 security officers and 10 were withdrawn in line with a new policy requiring all Governors to have a maximum of five/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 10 – Police headquarters has denied claims by Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho that his security detail has been withdrawn, and clarified that it was only scaled down to five.
Police Spokesman Charles Owino said Joho was initially assigned 15 security officers and 10 were withdrawn in line with a new policy requiring all Governors to have a maximum of five.
“Previously the security situation in Mombasa warranted such a big number but it’s not there anymore,” Owino told Capital FM News.
“This is not happening to Joho alone. All the 47 Governors must have a considerable numbers so that we can allow our officers to serve other security duties.”
Joho had earlier protested the move and even accused Coast Regional Commissioner Nelson Marwa of being used by the National Government to intimidate him with accusations that officers assigned to him assaulted a woman in Malindi.
“Let it be known to those executing this order and their masters that I will not be intimidated or arm twisted into changing my political course and brand politics,” Joho who linked the move to his political affiliation said in a statement.
“I have the right to security as a leader and Governor. This is not a favour the government is doing me.”
He said this was part of the larger scheme by the Jubilee government to frustrate him, “because of my political stand.”
Police confirmed that Joho’s bodyguards and those of Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi as well as Kilifi Woman Rep Aisha Jumwa are under investigation after a formal complaint was lodged soon after the incident said to have been captured on video.
“I am told that all the orderlies attached to Joho, (Amason) Kingi, Aisha (Jumwa) were the ones attacking citizens in Malindi…how do you do that?” a visibly angered Marwa wondered. “Their leaders (security bosses) are just silent in Nairobi. Who will defend Kenyans?”
“Why must, Joho, Kingi and Aisha break the law with impunity? … someone gonna take responsibility for this,” Marwa warned.
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