Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Prof Saitoti warned that the insurgents could take advantage of the celebrations to launch attacks.
He urged Kenyans to report any suspicious people.
"We are aware that the militia might take advantage of the festivities to strike on social joints among other areas," he said.
Speaking to journalists after holding a security meeting with leaders from Laikipia, Isiolo and Marsabit in Nanyuki, the minister assured that security forces were on high alert.
"Our security agents are ready to act on any information that will secure the well being of Kenyans," he said.
Saitoti reiterated that Kenya Defence Forces would remain in Somalia until the militia are wiped out.
"I urge Kenyans to pray for our men and women who are currently engaging the Al Shabaab in the fight to secure our borders and sovereignty," he said.
On Isiolo conflicts, Saitoti said the Government will next year embark on disarmament to secure the region.
Disarmament
While revisiting deliberations reached in a meeting held about two months ago between leaders from Isiolo, Samburu, Laikipia, Marsabit and other trouble-torn regions, the minister said the exercise will be carried out in all affected areas.
During the meeting at Sportsman’s Arms Hotel in Nanyuki, the leaders, among them Livestock Minister Mohammed Kuti, said previous disarmament was halted before all regions were covered, hence endangering those who had given out their illegal guns. "We are ready to kick off with the exercise and we assure the residents that all regions affected by rampant conflicts will be covered," said Saitoti.
He was accompanied by Transport Minister Amos Kimunya, Regional Commissioners Central and Rift Valley, Mr Amos Gatheca, Mr Isaiah Nakoru of Upper Eastern, Mr Julius Mathenge, former Sports Minister Maina Kamanda and former MP Jimmy Angwenyi.
Mr Kimunya said the Government is keen to revive the railways sector, especially the Nanyuki terminal, which will connect to Isiolo, where the Government is putting up a resort city.