Resign or we'll fire you, Kimaiyo and Lenku told

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has demanded the resignation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku and the Inspector General of police David Kimaiyo within fourteen days failure to which the society will initiate constitutional proceedings to eject the two from office for failing to protect Kenyans.

“It is for this reason that the LSK calls for the immediate resignation of Inspector General of Police Mr Kimaiyo and the Cabinet Secretary for Interior Mr Ole Lenku. The spate of violence and attacks witnessed over the last three months is testimony that the two have either no control over the security situation or are the wrong personnel,” LSK Chairman Erick Mutua said.

The IG enjoys security of tenure but can be removed from office through a decision of a tribunal formed to investigate allegations made against him. He can also opt to resign.

Lenku on the other hand can resign by delivering a written statement of resignation to the President who may re-assign him duties, or dismiss him from office.

The dismissal can be made if required to do so by a resolution adopted by Parliament.

The LSK said that and Lenku Kimaiyo have totally failed, citing a series of attacks right from the Westgate siege in September last year that left 67 people dead, and others that occurred in Nairobi and the Coastal region.

“The attack in Mpeketoni area of Lamu, irrespective of who planned and executed it, tells us as a nation that our security apparatus machinery and personnel is either incompetent or incapacitated,” LSK Chairman Erick Mutua said.

Lenku and Kimaiyo have been blamed for negligence, leading to attacks such as the ones that occurred in Mpeketoni on Sunday and Monday night–leaving at least 60 people dead.

Lenku had earlier blamed the attacks on the Opposition’s political activities and warned that action will be taken against leaders found to have incited the public.

The Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab has however claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying it is in retaliation to the continued stay of Kenya’s military in Somalia.