On Sunday, December 19, Hustler Nation Spokesperson Dennis Itumbi, issued a statement alleging that a commissioning plaque bearing Deputy President William Ruto's name was removed from the Lanet Police station.
Ruto had unveiled a modern police station funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) under the patronage of Bahati lawmaker Kimani Ngunjiri.
Following the launch, reports alleged that National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) brought down the plaque on orders by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.
In addition, the officers also reportedly erased CDF branding painting the wall black.
“For the police to be manipulated to vandalize Lanet Police Station after launching it with DP William Ruto truly shows how immature some of us are. According to the CDF Act, all laws were followed and even the branding done as per the Act,” Ngunjiri stated.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Police Spokesman Bruno Shioso distanced the police from the act but explained that the establishment and gazettement of a police station or post, including equipping and staffing, was a preserve of the Inspector General of Police.
"Decisions of whichever nature must originate from him and not otherwise. That's the law, and that's the Service Standing Orders. Was the alleged opening sanctioned and/or coordinated with the IG or his Office?
"Was due internal process followed? I'd be glad to know that before further comment," he added.
The newly opened police station is one of five that the Bahati Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is constructing to ensure police officers have a good working environment.
"We are doing away with the archaic wooden and iron sheet police stations that compromise the security of officers and their firearms.
"We are committed to enhancing security in Bahati Constituency to ensure the safety of residents and their property," Ngunjiri stated.
DP Ruto and his allies have constantly been embroiled in a war of words with Interior CS Fred Matiang'i and his Principal Secretary, Karanja Kibicho.
Ruto, while speaking in Nakuru, on Friday, December 18, alleged that state machinery was working to frustrate him while favouring another candidate.
“They have run out of strategies and now turned into intimidation through government officers. We have beat them in the past and we shall still beat them in the next election,” the DP sated.
His confidants, MPs Aden Duale (Garissa Township), Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira) and Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika also castigated the police.
“Matiang'i is the creation of a person who wants to intimidate those in lower levels of government,” stated Duale.
“He (Matiang’i) has no option but to keep his politics off the security docket. The chiefs are under obligation to follow instructions from the president and his office but this does not extend to political choices,” Ichung’wah weighed.
The CS, however, responded, stating that he was hell-bent on performing his tasks and supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta without fear and doubts whatsoever. Matiang'i lashed back and Ruto and his allies for taking credit of government projects which were spearheaded by Uhuru and his handshake partner, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Leader Raila Odinga.
“There can never be two centres of power and anyone else taking credit for Government projects or claiming to have influenced major infrastructure development is a hypocrite and engaging in political conmanship. It has become a norm for them, they like taking credit for things done by the government.
“I personally support the handshake both as a presidential undertaking and because of its evident benefits to the country and I have no apologies to make to anyone. I have not asked for any permission to support Raila Odinga or President Uhuru Kenyatta. President Kenyatta is my boss, I answer to him. If he asks me to go, as a cabinet secretary I move where he moves," the CS responded.
