Church calls for a sober talks on gun use in crime fight

The Anglican church on Sunday urged for sober discussions on the employment of force in taming run away insecurity in the country.

South Nyanza regional head Bishop John Omangi termed as unhealthy the latest exchanges between the police and the Independent Police Oversight Authority, IPOA following the order Friday by the Inspector General Japhet Koome to police to use their guns decisively to deal with thugs.

“We should not get to where both sides are washing dirty linen in public, the issues being raised are enshrined in the constitution to be subjected to what we are seeing ,” said Omangi.

Omangi spoke during a homily at the Kisii Anglican Church on Sunday.

The order by the IG, stated the Bishop appears an open check that licenses wanton use of the guns, an issue that may spark a fresh wave of extra judicial killings in the country .

He said it was remiss on the Inspector General of Police to make such remarks in a country with robust constitution as Kenya.

“It is wrong to castigate other constitutionally recognized commissions, each of these entities have clear work as set out in law and the IG should be aware ,” Omangi stated.

The cleric, however spoke of a growing ‘epidemic of rape, defilements and robbery across the country even as the IG ordered the police to employ a mail fist in dealing with crime. .

Koome had told the police not to be distracted by’ busy body’ entities in the discharge of their duties.

He feverishly leveled off criticisms from pressure groups who point fingers to police over extra judicial killings and forget that the officers also die on duty.

Koome claimed that the Ipoa is only investigating cases involving police errors and not officers killed in the line of duty.

“Do not be intimidated by busybodies whose work is to recommend the arresting of officers and today I don’t see them here,” Koome said.

IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori has since condemned the police chief saying police must still use the gun within the set parameters of the law.

She termed the pronouncement by the IG as “unfortunate and dangerous”.

On Sunday, Omangi said there is no clear winner when the two agencies bring their battles to the streets.

“The winner should be the constitution which Kenyans voted for, not the street talk that we are seeing being traded by the two sides,” Omangi observed.

The cleric said the spike in crime, in times like these, sparks fears as Kenyans prepare for Christmas.

Wading into the recent trade offs between Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Senator Richard Onyonka, Omangi said the animosity is likely to derail services if not addressed.

He said already the residents have not seen much as regards to services most leaders most governors promised to achieve in their first 100 days in office.

There are similar stand-offs in Meru where the governor was impeached by the Ward Reps.

She is awaits her fate as Senators begin a special sitting on Monday.

In Kisii, Senator Onyonka last week accused Governor Simba Arati of nepotism, and harrassing staff he got working at the devolved unit.

Similar sentiments were raised by MP’s Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South) and Japhet Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North).

They have since warned the governor that they are ready to bankroll his impeachment if he sacks any staff from the two constituencies.

Omangi termed such battles a sign that the leaders have begun to put their selfish interests ahead of the voter.

“It is time these wars were stopped and the leaders get to concentrate on effecting the contents of their manifestos, not putting selfish interest ahead,” stated Omangi.