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Uhuru defends Kimaiyo over journalists’ summons

Uhuru seen here with senior police officers led by Kimaiyo after a security meeting at State House, Nairobi. CFM.

Uhuru seen here with senior police officers led by Kimaiyo after a security meeting at State House, Nairobi. CFM.

NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 26 – President Uhuru Kenyatta has defended police Inspector General David Kimaiyo over recent claims that he was acting in a manner to suggest that he would curtail media freedom.

President Kenyatta said the Inspector General only cautioned journalists over coverage that appeared to give too much publicity to the attackers.

The President pleaded with the media to act ethically and be sensitive to the families of those injured or killed in the terror attack.

“I have been to many countries but have never seen TV footage aired live as people are being shot,” he said.

The President spoke Saturday during a thanks giving service on the appointment of Joseph ole Lenku as Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Coordination at Loitikitok in Kajiado County.

Kimaiyo has been under sharp criticism from media organizations, lawyers and rights groups after issuing summonses to Standard Group boss Sam Shollei and KTN journalists Mohammed Ali and John-Allan Namu over what he described as an ‘offending expose’ from the Westgate CCTV footage.

The summonses were however, cancelled soon after they were formally dropped to the journalists at the media station’s headquarters on Mombasa Road.

The President pointed out that the country’s security agencies work very hard even endangering lives and “should not be unnecessarily vilified”.

President Kenyatta said while security is a key challenge, leaders, citizens and even the media should work together to ensure safety.

He affirmed his Government’s commitment to serve all Kenyans equally without discrimination.

“Let us join hands in uplifting the standards of living of our people. Let us transform our country and improve our economy for that is the reason why Kenyans voted us into office,” the president said.

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The President said the Jubilee Government would fulfill all the campaign promises and asked leaders from across the political divide to work together for the betterment of the country.

President Kenyatta also asked Kenyans to embrace the Nyumba Kumi concept by knowing ten of their neighbours as a way of ensuring security is not breached.

He said the Nyumba Kumi initiative, implemented in neighbouring Tanzania, is a key pillar of the policing strategy and is aimed at restoring security in the country.

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