Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki, who formerly served as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior, assured Kenyans that the mystery surrounding recent abductions, killings, and an alarming surge in femicide cases would be resolved. Speaking from the steps of Harambee House Annex in Nairobi, Kindiki provided insights into ongoing investigations and expressed his confidence that these concerns would be addressed by the incoming Interior Cabinet Secretary.
Kindiki’s speech served as a dual purpose: a recounting of his tenure’s achievements and a handover of pending issues to his successor. He highlighted that restoring peace in Kenya’s North Rift region, expediting passport processing, and quelling terrorism were some of the key milestones his office had accomplished during his time as Interior CS.
Achievements in Security and Stability
During his briefing, Kindiki emphasized the considerable strides his administration made in tackling banditry, which had plagued the North Rift region for years. His office’s commitment, he said, had “silenced guns” in bandit-prone counties, restoring safety and security in an area where families and communities had been long haunted by violence. “It was our priority to bring peace and restore normalcy to the North Rift, and I believe we’ve laid a strong foundation for that,” he stated confidently.
Further, Kindiki referenced his office’s crackdown on terrorism, specifically in the North Eastern region and along Kenya’s coastline. The Boni Forest area and its surroundings in Mpeketoni, Lamu County, have been hotspots for terrorist activity, and his office had led sustained operations to suppress these threats. Kindiki credited his team’s efforts for a reduction in terrorism incidents, which had once been a constant threat in these areas. He highlighted how the campaigns focused on both eliminating threats and securing Kenya’s borders to prevent the inflow of militants from neighboring conflict zones.
Immigration Reforms and Streamlined Services
Another notable achievement he addressed was his office’s success in addressing inefficiencies within Kenya’s immigration sector. In particular, the long-standing issue of delayed passports, plagued by bureaucratic and corruption-related delays, saw significant reforms. Kindiki recounted the efforts made to dismantle what he referred to as “passport cartels” that had for years caused backlogs and complicated the process for Kenyan citizens seeking passports. “It was about time that ordinary Kenyans were able to access their passports without unnecessary delay,” he asserted, describing the expedited passport processing as a key step towards service delivery reforms.
Ongoing Investigations into Abductions and Femicide
Despite these achievements, Kindiki acknowledged the ongoing investigations into unresolved cases of abductions, especially those linked to recent protests against proposed tax increases, which were largely led by Gen Z activists. The Deputy President expressed concern over the growing number of disappearances and extrajudicial killings associated with these protests. “This is a matter of national importance, and it must be addressed with the seriousness it deserves,” he noted.
Reports of femicide have also escalated in recent months, adding to the urgency of these investigations. Kindiki indicated that his office had started initial inquiries but stressed that these sensitive cases would require sustained attention from the next Interior CS. “I am confident that the incoming Interior Cabinet Secretary will continue these investigations to ensure justice is served,” Kindiki remarked, although he did not delve into specific details.
Transitioning Responsibilities
While Kindiki’s tenure as Interior CS may be over, he expressed confidence that his successor would build on the foundation laid to address Kenya’s security and social challenges. He also emphasized that, although the work was far from complete, his administration had set in motion a legacy of reform and transparency.
As he concluded his address, Kindiki reaffirmed his commitment to supporting his successor, emphasizing the need for continuity in addressing security, social, and administrative challenges. “The work is not over, but I believe we have paved the way for greater strides,” he said.
His exit speech thus not only celebrated the milestones achieved but also underscored the complex issues awaiting resolution, particularly those affecting Kenya’s youth and women. The incoming Interior Cabinet Secretary will face significant pressure to continue and complete the investigations, bringing justice and accountability to the forefront of Kenyan governance.
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