CORD leader Raila Odinga said even Uganda and Tanzania – where the initiative has been adopted – Parliament debated the policy as a way of ensuring the programme received wide public support/FILE
Speaking after chairing the coalition’s Parliamentary Group meeting, CORD leader Raila Odinga said even Uganda and Tanzania – where the initiative has been adopted – Parliament debated the policy as a way of ensuring the programme received wide public support.
“The issue of Nyumba Kumi is a very major policy decision that requires a national consultation; you don’t just wake up one morning and say -this is in response to what has happened, we are starting Nyumba Kumi and is going to be rolled out- then one Mr. Kaguthi is appointed without clear terms of reference,” he said.
The Nyumba Kumi initiative which has been adopted from Tanzania seeks to have the public fully engaged on matters security within their area.
The parliamentary group meeting cited the recent incidents in Nyakach where area MP Aduma Owuor’s parents were killed in a fire in the home as an example where there is breakdown of law and order.
The coalition also said that the Jubilee government has failed to uphold security in Wajir, Marsabit, Turkana and Samburu where there have been ethnic clashes.
He cautioned that in its current form the initiative will turn Kenya into a police state that will erode the public gains of law and order.
The government has formed a committee to oversee the implementation of the Nyumba Kumi initiative which is aimed at restoring security in the country.
The committee unveiled on Friday will be chaired by former Provincial Commissioner Joseph Kaguthi and includes Kenya Airways Chief Executive Officer Titus Naikuni, security expert Simiyu Werunga and Francis Sang who formerly headed the Small Arms Secretariat among others as members.
A new legal framework has been established through the National Security Council Regulations that will see county security committees formed under the national committee.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku has stated that the objective of these security structures was to strengthen community police partnership to promote trust and confidence between the police and the community, “and to improve information sharing.”
Addressing the country during Mashujaa day celebrations, President Uhuru Kenyatta said the programme will help curb cases of insecurity.
CORD has further given the government two weeks to form an inquiry into the Westgate Mall attack.
The Coalition said it will “take necessary measures” if the Jubilee government failed to respond on the matter.
The September 21 terror attack left over 67 people dead.
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