Mudavadi warns against politicising gang attacks

By CORRESPONDENT | May 19, 2013

Mudavadi said there is nothing to be gained by any politician in brutal killings and leaders should stop the blame game to allow security agencies to get to the bottom of the attacks/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 19 – The UDF leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has cautioned against politicising the spate of gang attacks in parts of the country, especially recent brutal maiming in Bungoma and Busia.

Mudavadi said there is nothing to be gained by any politician in brutal killings and leaders should stop the blame game to allow security agencies to get to the bottom of the attacks.

“I really don’t see how anyone imagines they will benefit politically from killing people. We must give space to security agencies to do their work instead of incessant accusations and counter accusations,” he said.

Mudavadi who was speaking at the funeral of his housekeeper Francis Abando in Sabatia on Saturday said the election circle is over and leaders must settle down to protecting lives and property.

“Security agencies must be allowed to ruthlessly hunt down these killers whatever their status”, he said.

He at the same time decried the lack of common understanding on matters of devolution adding that there was need to create a common theme on devolution so that time is not wasted in bickering.

He said leaders implementing devolved structures at county level must be aware of the strict requirements of the Constitution and devolution laws lest they endanger the existence of their counties.

“The current standoff between governors and County Assembly over executive committees and other positions would be unnecessary if the law was followed. The danger is that it could lead to suspension of some counties for breach of laws,” he said.

“I want to remind the country what I said during campaigns; that for any incoming administration the first hundred days will be spent to putting together government structures. I was aware we were entering a new system under the Constitution. I knew it would be overambitious to think one can achieve policy goals in such circumstances,” he further cautioned.

Mudavadi said that devolution was not about status symbols but a means to grow counties into economic incubators.