While speaking at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development after a meeting with MPs and the boda boda task force, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i made it clear that the government was in no plans to import police uniforms from any other country.
This was after reports emerged that there was a general shortage for the specific fabric for the police uniform been fueled from unknown sources.
“I have seen some comments that are very shameful! We have no problem providing our police with uniforms. Actually, we have paid for the new uniforms and they are being done,” Matiangi said.
“What is happening here is that some people have put us under pressure that we should import police uniform… We will not import police uniform. We have to promote the local industry,” he said.
“This monkey business that has been happening in some corner should stop. It is outrageous for someone to say that we don’t have materials in Kenya.”
Unknown to many kenyans , the people behind the failed scheeme are said to be from the deputy presidents office.
And when contacted for a response response about the tender row , he star reports that the DP’s spokesman, David Mugonyi responded furiously,”That’s nonsense.”
“You and your crooks, wherever you agreed that you will import police uniforms, go back and tell them that we are not importing.”
~ CS Fred Matiang’i to DP Ruto#DerevaByBillianMusic pic.twitter.com/Inl4tWqsKo
— Ronoh Kipchumba Cornely. (@Cornely_Ronoh) December 19, 2018
The DP is reported to have asked the Interior CS to award a tender for the supply of police uniforms to other people, not just the National Youth Service.
Matiang’i stood his ground, insisting that all uniforms will be made by the NYS, as directed by President Kenyatta.
Without naming names, an angry Matiang’i told off a “politician” who wanted a share in the supply of the multi-million tender to supply fabric for the new blue police uniforms.
“The Inspector General of Police, the PS and myself have been under pressure by some quarters, and all manner of thieves, that we should import police uniforms.
“Listen to me very carefully. We will not import police uniforms, go and write another 10 headlines. We will not import police uniforms from any country. We have to promote the local textile industry,” Matiang’i said.
The Standard yesterday reported that police have not been able to get their new uniforms because the fabric is unavailable.
But Matiang’i dismissed the claims, insisting that the government has already paid NYS Rivatex and companies in the Export Processing zones to make the uniforms.
“We will not import police uniforms. No amount of pressure, manipulation or anything will change that position. That style of life has come to an end in Kenya. It has come to an end and no one is going to live that way.
“Sasa wewe na wakora wako mahali mlikubaliana mtanunua uniform mtaenda muwaambie na muwaeleze kwamba hatutanunua uniform kutoka kwingine,” Matiang’i said. This loosely translates to “You and your crooks, wherever you agreed that you will import police uniforms, go back and tell them that we are not importing.”
Is Ruto behind police uniform scandals ?