NAIROBI:MILITARY APPOINTMENT IS NOT TRIBAL

The Government takes great exception in a story in The Standard newspaper of Friday, May 22, 2010 which alluded that security appointments by President Mwai Kibaki have not been made with regional considerations. This is in relation to speculations about new appointments in the military.

The Government wishes to inform Kenyans that the story is inaccurate and a misrepresentation of facts. Appointments in the Kenyan security agencies such as the military are based on experience, ability, rank, training and an individual's background. Senior officers are promoted and appointed on the basis of their professional backgrounds, taking not consideration national and regional representation.

This has been the trend in President Mwai Kibaki's Leadership. An examination of the Senior Military Defense Officials indicates that they come from all parts of Kenya:

NAME: APPOINTMENT: ETHNIC BACKGROUND

1. Hon. Mohamed Yusuf Haji - Minister - Somali

2. Hon. Maj Gen (Rtd) J k Nkaissery - Assistant Minister - Maasai

3. Hon. David Musila - Assistant Minister - Kamba

4. Ms. Nancy Kirui Permanent - Secretary - Kalenjin

5. Gen. Jeremiah M Kianga - Chief of General staff - Kamba

6. Lt. Gen. Julius Karangi - Vice Chief of General Staff - Kikuyu

7. Lt. Gen. Kasaon - Commandant NDC - Kalenjin

8. Lt. Gen. Mwaniki - Army Commander -Kikuyu

9. Maj. Gen. M Tangai - Air force Commander - Taita

10.Maj. Gen. Samson Mwathethe- Navy Commander - Giriama

11.Maj. Gen. Otieno - Commandant DSC - Luo

12.Maj. Gen. Maurice Oyugi - Deputy Army Commander - Luo

13.Maj. Gen. Jackson Waweru - Senior Directing Staff NDC - Kikuyu

14.Maj. Gen. Gordon Kihalangwa - Ass. Chief of General Staff - Luhya

And many more

This is just a partial list of the senior officers in the military. Anyone conducting further checks will find out that this trend of appointments takes into consideration officers of various regional backgrounds, is constitutional and has made the Kenyan Military one of the most professional militaries in the world. Kenyan Military Soldiers and indeed all security officers view each other as brothers and sisters representing our beloved country and not as members of particular ethnic groupings.

The Government wishes to alert Wananchi that there are some people who would wish to use tribalism to polarize Kenyans in a similar manner as the one that was used before the 2008 post-election violence. A simple study of historical trends, and the Waki Commissions report on Post-Election violence , reveals how media stories packaged in a certain manner, coupled with political statements can lead to tension, tribal tensions and eventually violence.

All Kenyans are urged to reject and disassociate themselves with people and ideologies that are meant to divide our country. People who are planning to politicize our security agencies do not have the interests of peace and stability of our country at heart. The President and Prime Minister are keen to ensure that the country moves forward in a stable and equitable manner so that there is development for all. That is why they championed for the realization of our new Constitution.

 Dr Alfred N. Mutua, EBS

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY &

GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON