Nkaiserry takes charge as Kenya’s Interior minister

Kenya’s new Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Co-ordination of National Government has vowed to curb insecurity using his military experience.

Joseph Nkaissery, a retired Major-General, said his top priority would be to improve coordination among security organs moments after he was sworn in at State House Nairobi on Wednesday.

“I will exert my energies and past experience to ensure Kenyans are safe,” Maj-Gen (Rtd) Nkaissery told the press at Harambee House – his new office. “I will not let Kenyans down.”

He added that he would ensure police do not infringe on the rights of people following the enactment of the controversial security laws.

President Kenyatta picked him early this month and dropped outgoing CS Joseph ole Lenku following the escalation of terror attacks by Al-Shabaab militants and killings related to cattle rustling in northern Kenya. The appointment saw him resign as Member of Parliament for Kajiado Central, leaving the seat vacant.

Mr Nkaissery is widely expected to tame the rising wave of insecurity blamed on extremists and according to security analysts, exacerbated by a dysfunctional National Police Service command structure.

His ministry’s core function is to ensure Kenya is safe and secure and to coordinate national government functions. The police, immigration, prisons and correctional services departments fall under his docket.

Mr Nkaissery said that he would boost the capacity of the police to better perform their duties.

President Kenyatta nominated Mr Nkaissery hours after Al-Shabaab terrorists killed 36 quarry workers in Mandera County. A week earlier, militants in the same area had shot dead 28 non-Muslim Kenyans travelling in a Nairobi-bound bus.

Kenya’s tourism sector has also suffered this year as the terror threats kept visitors away.