Ruto Condemns Uhuru's Decision to Fire Kenya Prisons Boss

Deputy President William Ruto speaks to Kisumu residents on Wednesday, November 10.
President William Ruto campaigns in Kisumu on Wednesday, November 10, 2021.
(Courtesy)

Deputy President William Ruto has responded to President Uhuru Kenyatta following the sacking of  Wycliffe Ogalo as the Commissioner-General of Prisons Service.

DP Ruto on Thursday, November 18 issued a statement where he told off his boss over what he termed as the mistreating and sacrificing junior officers regarding the security breaches at the Kamiti Maximum Security Prison that led to the escape of three inmates.

The DP and his allies urged the president to deal with the senior officers in security docket starting with the Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and his Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho for their laxity.

Dr Ruto said those charged with the security of the country must seriously focus on their responsibilities and decide whether they will participate in politics or focus on improving the country's security.

Deputy President William Ruto worshiping with congregants during Sunday service at The Global Cathedral on September 12 2021
Deputy President William Ruto worshiping with congregants during Sunday service at The Global Cathedral on September 12 2021

A section of Mt Kenya leaders led by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru called out President Kenyatta's administration over the sacking and arrest of Ogalo, the Head of Kamiti Prisons, Charles Mutembei and his deputy Joseph Longorianyang.

The politicians stated that CS Matiang’i and PS Kibicho should be held to account. They further accused the two of abandoning their duties and engaging in politics at the expense of protecting the lives and properties of Kenyans.

Their remarks come after President Kenyatta noted the compelling public interest in the Kamiti Prison break and emphasized the need to entrench accountability in the ranks of the leadership of all security organs.

Kenyatta on Wednesday, November 17, ordered the State Department of Correctional Services to sanction disciplinary action against all Kenya Prisons Service personnel who were on duty when the security breaches occurred; which action shall include redeployment and immediate suspension of all affected officers.

The President directed CS Matiang'i and all security officials to take all action necessary and pursue the Kamiti escapees with all the available resources. 

He also urged all state investigative agencies to bring every person that is found culpable to full account. 

Following a public plea by the President for Kenyans to be vigilant and provide information on the convicts, the three were on Thursday, November 18, found in Mwingi East, Kitui and arrested.

The trio, Musharraf Abdalla, Joseph Juma and Mohammed Abdi, were reportedly trying to flee to the neighbouring country of Somalia when they were nabbed. The arrest ended the three-day manhunt

The three were arrested following a tip-off from the public. They were flown to Nairobi County for safe custody and further questioning.

Terrorists who escaped Kamiti Maximum Prison on Tuesday, November 16, were nabbed in Kitui.
Terrorists who escaped Kamiti Maximum Prison on Tuesday, November 16, were nabbed in Kitui.
Courtesy
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