Nkaissery indicated that as much as the police are blamed for soliciting bribes, members of the public bear responsibility for giving out bribes/MIKE KARIUKI
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 22 – Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery says the public is to blame for the increased corruption cases amongst police officers.
Nkaissery indicated that as much as the police are blamed for soliciting bribes, members of the public bear responsibility for giving out bribes.
“I can also say without any fear of contradiction that it is the society which is corrupt because there is no time a policeman can come to your pocket and remove money from you so it is actually you who is corrupting the police. So it is the society which is doing this and it is wrong. I want to ask the public not to compromise the police otherwise we will deal with you,” he warned.
Nkaissery was speaking at the KICC Tuesday morning during a symposium where he updated the public on the progress made by the Jubilee Government in the last three years.
He further pointed out that the government has improved in the provision of security in the country despite numerous challenges.
Nkaissery stated that that setting up of CCTV cameras at strategic locations has aided security agencies in curbing crime.
He explained that this has boosted investor confidence and enabled traders to carry out their businesses late into the evening.
“Street lighting and the presence of CCTV cameras have given Kenyans more confidence to carry out their business activities late into the night. They are also used in coordinating high level visits such as the one of the United States President and even the Pope,” he said.
He warned anyone who may be inclined to get involved in crime that their days were numbered and they would not get far as the state of the art equipment is very effective.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Rachelle Omamo also stressed that the government is seeking to build more barracks in regions prone to violence or attacks by terrorists.
Speaking during the forum, Omamo stated that the barracks will be set up in Baragoi, Mt Elgon, Garissa, Wajir and Lamu.
Omamo said the initiative will help in reducing the threat level of these regions and protect residents from attack.
“As part of our modernization programme, we have been mindful that the threat environment in Kenya and in our region is changing and consequently, we have had to expand our footprint,” she said. “Consequently, we have been undertaking the construction of new Barracks in Baragoi, Mt Elgon and we are going to set up on Garissa, Wajir and Lamu.”
She further stated that it will also go a long way in securing the country from both internal and external threats.
Attorney General Githu Muigai on his part pointed out that the war on corruption is complimented by the asset recovery department, while also highlighting cases against hundreds of public officials, including six cabinet secretaries and four principal secretaries.
“Three hundred and sixty criminal cases are in various states of prosecution, 519 additional cases are pending with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission which we have re-invigorated and re-energised only three weeks ago by swearing in new commissioners,” he said.
About The Author
