The sudden death of interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has shocked Kenya, but also brought out the political polarization afflicting the country ahead of the 8th August elections.
The CS, who died at Karen Hospital a few hours after he was admitted for check-up, was initially an opposition MP but was picked by the Uhuru administration for the government post of Cabinet Secretary. This riled the opposition who saw in it a move to weaken its base among the Maasai, the community Nkaissery hailed from.
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In a country where politicians or prominent people don’t just die, Kenyans online and in various quarters are speculating about the possible cause of his death, since no official statement has been released on the cause of his health. With elections just at the corner, there is likely be a number of conspiracy theories surrounding his death.
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Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Joseph Kinyua confirmed the news in a statement early today.
Below is the statement State House
IT is with deep sorrow and shock that we announce the sudden passing on of Interior CS Retired General Joseph Nkaissery. Gen. Nkaissery passed on at Karen Hospital in Nairobi a few hours after being admitted for a check-up. The country to be updated as more information becomes available.”
-Joseph Kinyua Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, STATE HOUSE 8th JULY 2017
LIFE AND TIMES OF NKAISSERY
Joseph Nkaissery was born on 28th November 1949. He was the Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security and Coordination of National Government. He was also a senior elder of the Maasai community.
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On 2 December 2014, Joseph Nkaissery was nominated by President Uhuru Kenyatta for the post of Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security, to replace Joseph Ole Lenku.
Prior to his nomination he was the Member of Parliament for Kajiado Central constituency on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket. His last job in the army before retiring was as a commandant of the Armed Forces Training College and GOC Westcom.
He retired in December 2002 after 29 years of service. He held the parliamentary seat for Kajiado central since 2003 when he trounced David Sankori of KANU.
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It was during his tenure as Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Defence that Kenya Defence Forces invaded Somalia and in 2011 the Operation Linda Nchi launched. Kenya signed agreement with Somali’s defence ministry for collaboration in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Nkaissery will be remembered for his uncompromising stand on matters of security, having inherited the docket at the height of Al Shabaab Militia attacks in the Country. Nkaissery quickly stamped his authority on the docket and restored the faith of Kenyans in the ability of the State to protect them against such attacks.
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