Interior Cabinet Secretary nominee Kithure Kindiki has defended his nominated title by addressing the issue of insecurity in the country.
Kindiki, who was among CS nominees scheduled for vetting today by Committee on Appointments at the National Assembly, stated that dealing with criminals, cattle rustlers, terrorists and bandits would be his first assignment as soon as he took office.
“As soon as I take office, the number 1 assignment is to ensure we set this country free from criminals, bandits, terrorists and cattle rustlers. Not through press conferences, security does not require speaking,” he said.
He said that violence is one of the options that should be considered when dealing with the banditry attacks in the country.
“I agree violence is not an option but it’s one of the options when it comes to the banditry issue because how will you engage with a criminal who has stolen cows from an innocent person and is hiding in a gorge?” he insisted.
“Even the most established democracies must use violence to protect the 99 per cent of its citizens against the 1 per cent that want to destroy our democracy. I have no apologies to make about this. Criminals have to be faced as criminals, period!” he exclaimed.
He also addressed the mental illness issue among officers which he claimed was caused by work related stress.
He said that he intends to equip, expand and capitalise on the counselling unit of the National Police Service (NPS).
“The problem around mental illness among officers is linked to work-related stress. I intend to equip, expand and fully capitalise on the counselling unit of NPS. These incidents are caused by the low pay vis-a-vis the risks they take serving the nation,” he said.
He estimated his net worth to be Sh544 million that amounts from law practice, businesses and consultancy for local and international organisations.
He said his wealth comes from investments in land and buildings, bank deposits, investments in shares and deposits in five different saccos.
He said land and buildings account for Sh165million.
“I am also a business person running a number of businesses, SMEs and I’m also a consultant for local and international organisations,” he told the National Assembly Committee on Appointments.
Among other designates scheduled to be vetted today are National Treasury and Planning CS nominee Professor Njuguna Ndung’u, Public Service and Gender CS nominee, Aisha Jumwa, Energy and Petroleum CS nominee Davis Chirchir and Trade, Investment and Industry nominee, Moses Kuria.