Kenya: Kibaki defends security minister

  1. Posted on Wednesday 4 February 2009 - 12:58
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    Jack Shaka, AfricaNews reporter in Nairobi, Kenya
    Kenya's President Kibaki has expressed confidence in the Minister for Internal Security contrary to views expressed by the First lady earlier. Lucy Kibaki had made stinging remarks against the security forces in the country. But the President said he had full confidence in the Minister for Internal Security, George Saitoti.
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    “In view of the reports which have appeared in today’s media, i wish to assure my Minister for Internal Security George Saitoti that I have full confidence in him and that I appreciate the good work he is doing in my office," he said.

    Kibaki made the comments during the launching of the Molo/Nakumatt Victims Fund for the victims of the two tragedies at his Harambee House in Nairobi. He was accompanied by the Prime Minister-Raila Odinga-and other cabinet members

    The First Lady had said the Minister should be held responsible for the deaths of the people since his security forces did nothing to avert the disaster. On Tuesday, three more people succumbed to the injuries bringing the death toll from the oil inferno to 123. In the Nakumatt Fire-the toll has reached 29. This brings the death toll from the two fires to over 150.

    The Molo/Nakumatt Victims fund established is chaired by Naushad Merali-A prominent businessman in Nairobi and Head of Sameer Group.

    "The monies will help settle hospital bills for patients requiring long-term hospitalisation and specialised treatment. It will also help the families start their lives afresh," he said.

    "I appeal to Kenyans to respond with the generosity they have always demonstrated. I appeal particularly to all leaders, public servants, the business community and the civil society to come forward and contribute," Kibaki added.

    Meanwhile, the dead will be buried in a mass grave near the scene of the accident, a farmer; Richard Muir offered a place to bury them in his farm.

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