Storm over withdrawal of Johos security intensifies as Govt denies harassment claims

Storm over withdrawal of Johos security intensifies as Govt denies harassment claims

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has refuted claims that the government is unfairly targeting Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho – an allegation that the Coalitions for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) have made following the withdrawal of Joho’s security detail on Friday.

Speaking on Saturday, Nkaissery said that the government was reducing the number of security personal attached to all VIPs.

Commenting on the timing of the move, the CS said that the government had already made plans to cut down the number of bodyguards attached to VIPs, but the implementation coincidentally took place following the hotly contested Malindi by-election.

Nkaissery also told the Mombasa Governor that he must surrender all of his firearms, adding that Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu is also required to surrender his gun.

The CS critised Joho’s initial refusal to surrender his guns saying that ownership of firearms is a privilege accorded to him by the government, not a right.

“His chest thumping that guns cannot be taken away is crossing the red line… It is a privilege to own a gun, because you shouldn’t own a gun. You are not supposed to own a gun because government protects you, therefore the privilege shouldn’t be abused” he said.

The withdrawal of Joho’s security and Nkaissery’s remarks has continued to attract sharp criticism from leaders allied to CORD, with many claiming that the Jubilee government is out on a revenge mission following their loss at the polls.

Adding his voice to the debate, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetagula accused the government of putting opposition leaders in danger by withdrawing their security detail.

Orange Democratic Party Chairman John Mbadi has however claimed that the ongoing controversy is an elaborate smokescreen, staged by the Jubilee government to divert attention “electoral theft”.

“The charade championed by Joseph Nkaissery and Nelson Marwa is also meant to divert attention from Jubilee’s electoral theft in Kericho and its failed attempt to steal elections in Malindi,” read Mbadi’s statement.

The ODM leader went further to state that the ongoing debate is meant to divert public attention from discussions about graft.

“The current campaign of intimidation of key Opposition politicians including ODM Deputy Party Leader Mr Ali Hassan Joho, Kilifi governor Amason Kingi and a host of our MPs is clearly intended to divert national debate from the grand thefts at the National Youth Service, the Youth Enterprise and Development Fund, Huduma Centres and of Euro Bond,” he added.

Joho’s body guards are linked to allegations of assaulting a woman who was accused of bribing voters during the parliamentary by elections in Malindi.

The incident is still under investigation.

has refuted claims that the government is unfairly targeting Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho – an allegation that the Coalitions for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) have made following the withdrawal of Joho’s security detail on Friday.

Speaking on Saturday, Nkaissery said that the government was reducing the number of security personal attached to all VIPs.

Commenting on the timing of the move, the CS said that the government had already made plans to cut down the number of bodyguards attached to VIPs, but the implementation coincidentally took place following the hotly contested Malindi by-election.

Nkaissery also told the Mombasa Governor that he must surrender all of his firearms, adding that Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu is also required to surrender his gun.

The CS critised Joho’s initial refusal to surrender his guns saying that ownership of firearms is a privilege accorded to him by the government, not a right.

“His chest thumping that guns cannot be taken away is crossing the red line… It is a privilege to own a gun, because you shouldn’t own a gun. You are not supposed to own a gun because government protects you, therefore the privilege shouldn’t be abused” he said.

The withdrawal of Joho’s security and Nkaissery’s remarks has continued to attract sharp criticism from leaders allied to CORD, with many claiming that the Jubilee government is out on a revenge mission following their loss at the polls.

Adding his voice to the debate, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetagula accused the government of putting opposition leaders in danger by withdrawing their security detail.

Orange Democratic Party Chairman John Mbadi has however claimed that the ongoing controversy is an elaborate smokescreen, staged by the Jubilee government to divert attention “electoral theft”.

“The charade championed by Joseph Nkaissery and Nelson Marwa is also meant to divert attention from Jubilee’s electoral theft in Kericho and its failed attempt to steal elections in Malindi,” read Mbadi’s statement.

The ODM leader went further to state that the ongoing debate is meant to divert public attention from discussions about graft.

“The current campaign of intimidation of key Opposition politicians including ODM Deputy Party Leader Mr Ali Hassan Joho, Kilifi governor Amason Kingi and a host of our MPs is clearly intended to divert national debate from the grand thefts at the National Youth Service, the Youth Enterprise and Development Fund, Huduma Centres and of Euro Bond,” he added.

Joho’s body guards are linked to allegations of assaulting a woman who was accused of bribing voters during the parliamentary by elections in Malindi.

The incident is still under investigation.

Tags:

CORD JUBILEE security JOHO Ali Hassan Joho CS Joseph Nkaissery body guards

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