By Sarah Omondi
Police officers and chiefs will not break for Christmas holiday following directive by the government for them to be on duty throughout the festivities.
The directive, that will take place immediately, is meant to ensure peace prevails during the festive season.
Speaking during installation of Kajiado Senior Principal Chief Roika Ole Shira, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, who announced the order on behalf of President Uhuru Kenyatta, said there will be no exceptions to the directive.
“For us in security sector and especially those responsible for Internal security, we are all under firm instructions given by the President on Tuesday that there will be no leave for Christmas holiday,” Dr Matiang’i.
“I too will be on duty on Christmas Day and the following days. If I’ll be working, how can chiefs or their assistants be on holiday?” he posed.
The CS said security agents had been placed on heightened alert during the festive season in appreciation of the political upheavals afflicting neighbouring countries.
While asking chiefs and their assistants to strictly adhere to the directive, the CS asked disloyal civil servants to resign or risk sack.
“A government must be run on order. As a CS, how can I have opinion different from that of the President? he posed, adding “The same applies to chiefs. Even when there are attempts to sway you, loyalty to the government of the day should never be in question. But if you find that too hard, walkout before we eject you. Public service is not a mandatory call”.
Chief Shira has been in provincial administration for over 30 years rising from an assistant chief.
