The unspeakable damage that has
been cause by the terrorist at Westgate Mall since Saturday cannot be
quantified in terms of monetary terms and above all human injury and deaths. It
is unfortunate the terrorists had their way in one of the place that is
perceived to be very secure in the Kenya.
Kenya has borne similar attack
albeit on smaller scale in the past and this is a clear indication that
terrorism is a major threat in this country. The big question therefore is:
does this country has capacity to deal with this ever increasing global threat?
Firstly, as we are well aware,
the perpetrators of terrorism are still within the country. They have in one
way or the other gained access in this country on assistance of a few people
who are not patriotic or /and greedy. The terrorists don’t live in isolation
but rather are accommodated by the likeminded Kenyans. Our security details
need to get to the bottom of it and seal the gaping loopholes.
Secondly, it is a well known
fact that some foreigners affiliated to terrorism have over the years acquired
properties in prime areas and they use them to finance the operations of
terrorists. This again poses a threat to the nation security. The intricate web
of terror cannot work without financing. This is why it is important that the
source of funding especially ones in the country should be severed with
immediate effect.
Thirdly, it is important that
the immigration need to do a thorough audit on the immigrants especially from
those countries that are friendly to terrorists. These include those who come
in the Kenya through borders and airports. Stiff displinary action against
those who collude with the rogue security agencies to allow criminals in the
country should be enforced.
Fourthly, the government should
make drastic reforms to security organs so that only those officers committed
to bringing about meaningful change in national security are employed. It is
imperative to underline that only the right personnel can make the
transformative change needed towards terror fight.
As the country piece together
the broken pieces after the uncalled for attack, it is important to stress that
there is nobody safe wherever he/she is if the security is not well enhanced
.Our very own president lost his nephew in the Westgate Massacre and this
should be a wakeup call that the threat is rife.
James Mwangi Kanyi
Nairobi
