Kibaki warns inciters over ethnic clashes

Kibaki warns inciters over ethnic clashes Written By:PPS,    Posted: Fri, Aug 24, 2012

President Mwai Kibaki presents a cane to Lennox Zoka Best all round male recruit (PPS) President Mwai Kibaki has sternly warned those bent on inciting, creating lawlessness and taking the law into their hands that they will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law. Expressing concern over the senseless loss of lives and property following clashes between some communities in parts of the country, President Kibaki said this will not be tolerated. The Head of State directed security organs to take firm action and curb further loses of lives and property. "I put on notice those taking the law into their hands that they will be dwelt with firmly in accordance with the law," President Kibaki said. The President was speaking Friday when he presided over the passing-out parade of 1581 police recruits at the Kenya Police Training College, Kiganjo in Nyeri County. Noting that the country is due to hold the next General Election in a few months time, President Kibaki emphasized that the role of the Kenya Police Service before, during and after the elections is clear cut. President Kibaki said the Government is determined to ensure that the General Election is free, fair and peaceful. He said the entire Service is expected to remain professional, alert and focused on the best interest of the nation. "You must safeguard peace across the country without fear or favour," the Head of State urged police officers. The President, once again, reiterated that the nation is bigger than any single individual, and its peace and stability must be jealously guarded against any enemy both from within and without. He assured Kenyans that the country's security agencies are working hard to curtail and prevent any acts of insecurity and terrorism. Said the President: "The security of all Kenyans and our visitors is an important priority for the Government." In this regard, the Head of State cautioned the youth of Kenya to avoid associating with any criminal gangs. Saying no ideology or faith can stand the test of time if it does not respect the sanctity of human life and national interest, the President said all Kenyans should understand that the destruction of life and property can never bring progress. "On the contrary, for every life lost meaninglessly, or structure needlessly brought down, Kenya is left the poorer," the President said. President Kibaki, at the same time, reassured of the Government's commitment to ensuring that the rights of police officers are guaranteed as they protect the rights of other Kenyans. President Mwai Kibaki has today assented to the Teachers Service Commission Bill, 2012. The Act makes further provision for the Teachers Service Commission established under Article 237 of the Constitution, its composition, functions and power; the qualifications and procedure for appointment of members; and for connected purposes. According to the Act, the headquarters of the Teachers Service Commission will be in the capital city but with offices in each county. In addition to the powers of the Commission under Article 252 of the Constitution, the Commission shall have the power to acquire, hold, charge and dispose of movable and immovable property. It will also have powers to do or perform all such other things or acts for the proper discharge of its functions under the Constitution and the Act as may lawfully be done or performed by a body corporate. In performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers, the Commission shall be guided by the national values and principles of governance under Article 10 and the values and principles of public service under Article 232 of the Constitution, taking into account the best interests of the child under Article 53 of the Constitution. The Commission shall, subject to Article 249 (2) of the Constitution, consult with State and non-State actors in the education sector. The Act also provides that the Commission shall consist of a chairperson and eight other members appointed in accordance with the Constitution.