Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary nominee Kithure Kindiki yesterday fought off claims that his tenure was characterised by human rights violations, including killings of protesters and abductions.

Kindiki maintained that he will not resign from his position, arguing that he is not to blame for the said incidents as his role is purely policy.

“It is unfortunate that during recent protests, we witnessed the deaths of 42 Kenyans, 486 civilians and 285 police injured. We had about 1,387 arrests, 54 police cars destroyed and 110 vehicles also destroyed, therefore I want to say the operational responsibility lies within the National Police Service,” he said.

Independent entity

While appearing before MPs for vetting yesterday, Kindiki explained that the Kenya Police Service (KPS) which is being blamed for applying excessive force during the demonstration, is an independent entity which makes its own decisions especially on operational matters.

He said that his work is limited to providing policy guidelines to the organs of national security as outlined in the Constitution.

Although he defended the police officers for their actions during the demonstrations, he said that those who used excessive force will be held personally accountable for their actions.

He said: “I was in office for 21 months and 6 days and woke up early even on Sunday to serve my country. I believe that I am suitable for re-appointment because during those 21 months, I have been able to keep the country safe especially in the fight against terror, crimes of banditry menace reduced by 75 per cent, I have visited all the 47 counties, Lamu 21 times, Samburu eight times, Baringo 13 times and therefore I have not been lazy, I have been diligent and I have conducted myself within the parameters of the constitution. I have worked with officers at the headquarters.”

Operational issues

He added: “On the events of the recent weeks, the reason that I did not talk every day is because the events were mainly operational issues, the work of the CS as envisaged is to give the organs of the national security policy direction and guidelines.”

Kindiki who defended the use of the military intervention when dealing with internal security saying their intention was sought as there were threats of invasion of state house and other installations, he explained that the Shakahola and quarry incidents happened as there were gaps in the security system.

He said: “The Shakahola incident will remain the most tragic incident of our country, never had such a security breach in our country. The officers who were in charge will have their day in court. On the quarry area, there were gaps in NGAO and Nyumba Kumi and also in our intelligence collection. Now that we have finalised the reforms in the Police Service, my next assignment will be to initiate far reaching reforms in the National government administration system, to make the security system better to avoid incidents like this one. I want to admit those one were a very unfortunate incidence.”

On his source of wealth which has grown from Sh544 million to Sh644 million, Kindiki said the increment is mainly from his private business.

He said: “Before I was appointed my wealth was Sh544 million, I have a business which is my law firm. My law firm is active and much of this comes from my law firm which is run by other people.