Saturday, May 31, 2014
By Christine Lagat and Chris Mgidu
President Uhuru Kenyatta waves to the crowd at Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi, on Kenya’s 50th anniversary
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NAIROBI, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has deployed security personnel to guard the venue of Independence Day celebrations to be held on Sunday and a major political rally being held on Saturday.The Regional Coordinator for Nairobi, Njoroge Ndirangu said in a press conference in Nairobi that security forces will be on standby to ensure law and order is maintained during cerebration to mark 51 years after Kenyan attained self rule.
"We have mobilized all security agencies to enhance safety at the venue of Independence Day cerebrations. The government has a duty to ensure all citizens feel safe and secure as we mark a critical milestone in the nation's history," said Ndirangu.
President Uhuru Kenyatta will address the public and dignitaries invited to grace the 51st anniversary of Kenya's self rule.
Ndirangu stressed that the government had made elaborate plans to ensure there would be no security lapses during the national fete on Sunday.
"We are alive to the fact that Nairobi has suffered from a spate of terror attacks and have put deterrent measures in place. All persons and vehicles accessing the stadium will undergo thorough security checks," Ndirangu said.
Senior government officials, diplomats and members of the public will attend the national fete.
Ndirangu said all persons and vehicles accessing the stadium will undergo through security checks. Members of public are advised to make their way into the stadium early enough to avoid last minute rush and long queues at the entrances," he said.
The country has been subjected to successive explosives attacks by Al-Shabaab operatives in the country following the onslaught by Kenyan soldiers on the Al-Shabaab in Somalia after the militia staged a series of attacks along the Kenyan coast.
Ndirangu said that the government will enumerate progress achieved in the socioeconomic spheres since Kenya attained self rule 51 years ago.
"During the independence day celebrations, we will be taking stock of the gains made in various sectors of the economy. Kenya has become a preferred destination for investments," said Ndirangu.
He noted that Kenya has earned an enviable place among community of nations for rapid economic growth, social and political transformation.
Kenya attained independence from Britain in 1963 and since then, the east African nation has become a key player in regional affairs.
The country boosts one of the fastest growing economies in the region, a robust and educated population and relative stability.
"Development of infrastructure has ensured that the country is interconnected through a network of roads, railways, ports and telecommunications. New sources of energy are being exploited to keep the economy humming," Ndirangu told journalists. Meanwhile, the government has deployed security personnel at the venue of a public rally to be addressed by leader of the main opposition party, Raila Odinga.
Ndirangu said that there will be a heavy security presence at Uhuru Park where Odinga will address supporters on Saturday afternoon. Odinga was on a two month sabbatical leave in the United States.
Police officers have been strategically positioned at the park to ensure maximum security.
Thousands of supporters were already at the venue on Saturday morning with some arriving as early 6 a.m. in readiness for Odinga' s arrival. The former prime minister is due to address the gathering sat around 3:30 p.m. local time.
Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo has directed police commanders to ensure there is enough security in Nairobi on Saturday and Sunday.
"The National Police Service has put in place sufficient security measures and arrangements to ensure that the national celebrations and political rally are conducted safely," Kimaiyo said.
"However, I want to state here that, the organizers of the Uhuru Park rally must ensure that they have in place sufficient safeguards to ensure that all the people who will attend the event conduct themselves with utmost civility," Kimaiyo said.
The police chief called on the political leaders who will be attending the meeting to avoid, "all manner of inflammatory statements, or actions which may amount to intimidation of others or hate speech."