President Uhuru Kenyatta delivered his annual State of the Nation Address where he mourned the late Public Works Principal Secretary, Mariamu el Maawy who passed away last year in September after her convoy was attacked by Al Shabaab militants.
While addressing the state of security on Wednesday, the Head of State commended her service and that of other diligent officials in the fight against terrorism.
"At this moment, I also recall with great sadness, the tragic loss of Principal Secretary, Mariamu el Maawy, to the consequences of a terrorist attack. I pray that her family, friends, and colleagues may be comforted; and I pray, too, that this nation never forgets the selfless public service she gave it," he conveyed.
[caption caption="The late Mariam El Maawy with Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i "]
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The president acknowledged that there were fewer and less lethal attacks in Kenya today due to the vigilance of the security agencies in the country.
"I commend the diligent men and women from multiple agencies who detect and prevent attacks: they have kept Kenya safe, and sometimes paid the highest price for our safety. May God comfort the families of the men and women we have lost, not just in the fight against terrorism, but in every effort to defend Kenya’s sovereignty and security," he stated.
President Uhuru added that there were more security threats that the country was facing in addition to terrorism.
"Beyond terrorism, we remain vulnerable to other security threats; many of them, from terrorism to trafficking, across borders. So we cannot be self-absorbed: we must be our neighbour’s keeper no less than our brother’s. The same principles that guide us at home govern relations with our neighbours.
"We defend democracy abroad as we do at home; we want for others the peace that we enjoy here; we are grateful for the solidarity extended us by our brothers and sisters on the continent, so we offer it to others in return. Last year’s events showed the soundness of these principles," he noted.
As he commenced his address, Uhuru paid tribute to the late Kenneth Matiba stating: "His patriotism inspired greatly the constitution under whose authority we meet today.
"Let us all resolve to emulate the example he set, his desire for a strong, prosperous and inclusive Kenya. I ask all of you to rise to honour his memory with a minute of silence."
Uhuru concluded his address by presenting three reports to the House Speaker Justin Muturi.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta and Speaker Justin Muturi"]
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The reports are on All the Measures Taken and the Progress Achieved in the Realization of National Values; Progress made in fulfilling the International Obligations of the Republic; and the State of Security.
