Deputy President William Ruto has asked politicians not to politicise national security issues.
He argued that security matters were at the heart of the nation’s wellbeing and sovereignty.
Ruto said issues of security transcended party politics saying no one should introduce politics in the management of the country’s security to advance selfish political interests.
He said: “ Let us not gamble with our lives by introducing partisan games in the management of security matters in the country.”
The Deputy President pointed out that Kenya Defence Forces deployed to peace keeping missions outside the country were experienced men and women who were risking their lives for the security of the country and they deserved respect and honour.
“The President’s decision on national security matters is not minor, whatever decision he makes is well considered and processed appropriately,” he said.
And added: “ The decision taken by Commander in Chief on South Sudan was well executed through the relevant channels; it is not for political engagement in funerals and public barazas.”
Ruto emphasized that Kenya’s security personnel were well trained and experienced officers who have served with distinction in many parts of the world and cannot have been deployed for any peace keeping mission for mere gaining of experience or petty issues like earning allowances as alleged by Cord Leader Raila Odinga.
Said Ruto: “Our security personnel are experienced. They put their lives on the line to protect their motherland while out there. They do not go to peace missions to get allowances or for monetary gains. What they go for is a matter of life and death not petty issues like looking for stipends.”
The DP noted with satisfaction that the challenges the country faced with security have since been contained and expressed confidence the country will not go back to a state of insecurity again.
He announced the destruction of 5,250 assorted illicit firearms saying their destruction is important because their continued presence in wrong hands violated peace and stability and was a threat to the security of the nation.
By DPPS.