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Kimaiyo quits, Lenku fired in shake-up


President Uhuru Kenyatta has nominated Kajiado Central Joseph Nkaiserry as the new Interior Cabinet Secretary, just moments after Inspector General David Kimaiyo announced his retirement from the Kenya Police service.

Mr Nkaiserry, a retired Major General from the opposition, will replace Joseph ole Lenku whose tenure as Internal secretary was marked by runaway insecurity in the country.

Mr Kimaiyo cited personal reasons for the decision.

The President, in a live broadcast, said he had accepted Mr Kimaiyo’s retirement and thanked him for his service.

“I have nominated Hon. Major General (rtd) Joseph Nkaissery as the new cabinet secretary for interior and co-ordination of national government. I hope the government will expedite the process of his vetting and approval,” said President Kenyatta.

AL-SHABAAB ATTACK

The shake up was announced in the wake of an attack by Al-Shabaab militants in Mandera that left 36 people dead.

Opposition leaders had earlier held a press conference at noon calling for the reassessment of those in charge of security.

“We are demanding a thorough top to bottom assessment of the threats we face, the personnel we have and what they mean for our ability to confront the dangers we face,” the Cord coalition said.

Similar calls had been made by the leader of the Amani coalition the Musalia Mudavadi.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

“The job security of individuals, members of a community or ruling coalition should not supersede security of the nation. Let those charged with securing the country, for once, take responsibility,” said Mr Mudavadi.

President Uhuru, during his address, also called on the Muslim community in the country to remain united and in support of the government.