By Ebi Kesiena
President William Ruto has provided reassurance to the Kenyan populace, affirming the government’s commitment to address and tackle the prevailing issues of insecurity within the nation.
Ruto noted this while inspecting the guard of honour outside the Parliament buildings on Thursday.
According to President Ruto, despite the pushback from criminals, the government has put measures to deal with them.
“We have taken firm and decisive measures to deal with the challenge of banditry, cattle rustling and other forms of impunity in the North Rift and all parts of the country. We have been systematic, focused, thorough, relenting and committed to removing for good all threats to lives and livelihoods of Kenyans.
“I know there are pushbacks from criminals. I want to assure the members of this house that we will be unrelating and it is not done until it’s done.” the President said.
In his address to the nation, the President stated that the security and safety of all citizens is the highest commitment and most fundamental duty.
He said Kenya has maintained stability, peace and security by affirming territorial integrity and maintaining internal tranquillity.
“This is not to say our country has not had its share of security challenges. The spectre of terrorism is a continuing threat that we must remain constantly vigilant against.
“Pockets of banditry,cattle-rustling and armed lawlessness have besieged and devastated communities in the Rift Valley, North-Eastern and, occasionally, parts of Eastern and the Coast regions.” he said.
He added that insecurity disrupts lives and destroys livelihoods.
Ruto said the country has lost too many people to insecurity and families displaced because of lawless men taking up illegal arms and waging war against communities.
“The government exists to ensure that those who challenge our sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security and the safety of the people are expeditiously countered and rendered harmless for all time.
“In discharging this commitment, we have been mindful not to use security imperatives to commit impunity, including misuse of resources and extrajudicial infringements on freedoms and fundamental human rights of citizens,” he said.