A police officer walks past the Westgate mall in Nairobi on September 28, 2013. Two former police chiefs have cast doubts on the country’s security and intelligence preparedness to counter terrorism. Photo/FILE
Two former police chiefs have cast doubts on the country’s security and intelligence preparedness to counter terrorism.
Former Police Commissioner Philemon Abong’o and former Criminal Investigation Department Director Francis Sang Sunday said Kenya would not succeed in combating crime unless a more pro-active strategy is applied.
In an apparent reference to the Westgate attack, the former security bosses called for immediate reforms in the Police Service and setting up of an effective crime-bursting system.
LOST TO CRIMINALS
The retired officers noted that the country’s security machinery had previously lost to criminals due to its failure to counter them before they execute their plots.
“The police service should be reformed using researched strategies as well as facilitating the officers to effectively fight crime,” Dr Sang said during the launch of his book, A Noble But Onerous Duty.
He said that there were well-researched journals whose “wisdom” should be applied to make the country’s security and intelligence more competent.
“It took me three years to research and write this book in which I have talked about various experiences in dealing with crime. I hope relevant authorities will take time to apply some of the findings,” said Dr Sang in Nakuru.
At the same time, the mall attack should act as a wake-up call to the country’s security and intelligence agencies, a church leader has said.
Bishop Abraham Gitu urged the government to review its security mechanism to counter rising incidents of terrorism.
“The National Intelligence Service should be facilitated with more resources to make the unit more efficient in intelligence gathering to avert other terrorist attacks in our boarders,” said Bishop Gitu, who is also the chairman of Likia and Beyond Peace and Conflict Resolution Council.
The mall attack has seen police swing into action in a bid to assure Kenyans of their security.
The officers have stepped up patrols in Nakuru Town and its environs.
By Nation Reporter