President William Ruto has called on the National Government Administration Officers to take charge of the country’s security in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
Ruto spoke on Monday, August 14, at the Eldoret State Lodge in Uasin Gishu County during a meeting with Regional Commissioners.
President Ruto said officers abetting crime in their areas of authority will be held responsible.
He was categorical that he will not allow National Government Administration Officers to engage in politics but serve all Kenyans equally.
The Head of State also fired a warning to those engaging in corruption and other criminal activities saying they will be liable and will face the law.
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“There are people who are allowing criminals to acquire Government documents such as passports and identity cards. Trust you me, they will be arrested and prosecuted,” said President Ruto.
Ruto added that Kenyans are expecting their taxes to be protected and used in the right manner.
“I have made that commitment to them, and I will keep that promise,” he said.
While addressing Kenya’s debt situation, President Ruto emphasized that the country will no longer rely on loans to run its operations.
“That is why I will not allow any public money to be stolen or misused,” the president added.
Ruto on Officers code of conduct
“You must serve all Kenyans equally; that service does not include politics,” President Ruto said while emphasizing on the role of commissioners and administrators.
Ruto was accompanied by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki and his Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.
Supporting his boss, Gachagua reiterated the need for officers to adhere to their professional code of conduct in their workplace.
“We are not going to misuse you for politics,” said Deputy Gachagua.
Apart from security issues in the country’s security, the meeting also focused on education and the fight against drugs and substance abuse that is becoming a menace.
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Devolution Conference
President Ruto is in his home county of Uasin Gishu ahead of the Devolution Conference that is set to kick off from August 15 to 19th.
The conference themed ’10 Years of Devolution: The Present and the Future’ will witness a beehive of activities with President Ruto his deputy, Raila Odinga and former UK Prime minister among the keynote speakers.
During the conference, the governors and other state actors and agencies will take stock of devolution since its advent in 2013.