Statement by Hon Raila Odinga on Attack in Mandera
I condemn in very strong terms what we believe to be an attack by Al Shabaab terrorists in Mandera last night, which killed at least a dozen of our innocent civilians. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and other loved ones of those killed. We wish full and quick recovery to the wounded.
We thank those security officers who risked their lives and responded fast to stop and pursue the attackers in the dark of the night.
This attack, coming as we grapple with domestic security challenges in other parts of the country, reminds us that our enemies, especially the Al Shabaab, have not given up on their plans to constantly terrorize and injure innocent citizens going about their daily struggles.
Eternal vigilance therefore remains as necessary today as it was when these attacks began in earnest about four years ago.
As we mourn the departed and comfort the bereaved, we wish to renew our appeal to the National Government to consider coming up with a program, jointly with the Council of Governors, on how to shoulder the security function and ensure County and National Governments come together and share best practices to fight security threats.
While the National Government has the constitutional mandate to provide leadership on matters of national security, the changing threats demand that other levels of government be carried along to play a collaborative and not spectator role in this critical area.
RT HON RAILA ODINGA, EGH
CORD COALITION/ ODM PARTY LEADER
OCTOBER 25, 2016.
