Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Thursday, 28 June, reassured Kenyans of their safety following the High Court ruling that upheld the deployment of the military.
According to the CS, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) deployed in various parts of the country will adhere to the constitution and the law while fulfilling their mandate.
Duale also clarified that the officers deployed are specifically intended to preserve peace and public safety.
He further stated that the officers would also protect the critical infrastructure of all three branches of the government.
According to Duale, the government through the Ministry of Defense will comply with the court decision and issue a new gazette notice in due course.
“Court retains residual powers and remains open to consider any complaints or violations of rights during and even after the deployment,” Duale stated.
“It is necessary that the terms of engagement, duration and areas of engagement be gazette within the next two days to allay the apprehension of civilians that their fundamental rights will be curtailed by the KDF deployment.”
CS Duale's sentiments followed hours after the High Court upheld the deployment of the military to help police officers manage protestors.
While issuing the ruling, High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi ordered the government to gazette the deployment within two days.
In his judgement, Justice Mugambi stated that the military intervention was necessary to support police officers given the need to preserve order, peace, public safety and critical infrastructure.
“It is hereby directed that the terms of military engagement, and duration of engagement be clearly defined and gazette within the next two days to alleviate public fear," Judge Mugambi noted.
"That the Court retains residual powers of oversight the military deployment on the observance of human rights and that this file shall remain open during this Petition."
