REPUBLICOFKENYA

PressBriefingByGovernmentSpokesperson
MrEricKiraithe

September9th2016

Goodmorning,

Karibuni. Thank you for joining us this morning. I realise this is a

breakfromourusual Thursdayafternoonarrangement,butwehope
tobebackonourregularschedulenextweek.

Now, I have a fewitemstocover today.Letmebeginwiththemost

somberofthem:Asanation,wecontinuetomournthelossofMzee
Hon. Ole Ntimama who passed on earlier this week. His death has
leftadistinctvacuumin his family,among thepeopleofNarok,and
in this country at large. Hon. Ntimama spent the better part of his
life championing for the rights of the Maasai community. He will
forever be remembered for his vocal defense of justice, and his

proud patriotism. Funeral arrangements are ongoing led by a

jointcommittee consisting of his family members and a few
Governmentrepresentatives.Plans will proceedasfollows:therewill
beamassatAll SaintsCathedral nextTuesday. OnWednesday,the
bodyofHon.NtimamawillbetransportedfromLeeFuneralHometo
Narok by road. Members of the public are invited to pay their final
respects while the convoyisenroute toNarok.Thefuneralwillthen
take place in Narok and will be attended by national and
international dignitaries. The state will ensure security for the
entirety of the event. For those who desire to send messages of
condolence, there are currently condolence books open at both his
Nairobi and Narok residences, as well as at various government
buildings in Narok including the county commissioners offices and
Naroks county parliament building. Further details concerning the
program for Wednesday will be provided closer to the day. Let us
join hands in paying tribute to the memory of a great man while
celebratinghislonglifeandincrediblelegacy.

[Pause]

Allow me to now cover three other matters. First, I have observed

with a great deal of personal admiration the ongoing interviews for
Kenyas next Chief Justice. The televised process has once again
highlighted just how far Kenya has come in terms of creating
independent, nonpartisan, credible and accountable institutions.

The rigour and transparency that mark this interview process are
commendablemore so given that we are choosing the leader of
Kenyas premier law enforcement agency. That said, it has been
brought to my attention that the ongoing process could be made
more robust through a more comprehensive dialogue on national
security issues. It has been pointed out to me severally that
interviewers may do well to pursue lines of questioning that cover
the critical issues of terrorism, security and the restitution of
property illegally alienated from individuals and the public. I
personally believe that exchanges on those matters, at that high
level, would prove profitable for the generalpublicandwould serve
our national interest well. I also urge all members of the public to
continue engaging critically with the ongoing interview process,
submitting their views through the relevant channels in order to
ensure that our country receives an outcome that truly serves the
interestsofall.

Now, let me address the recent miraa ban which was imposed by
Somalia.Government recognisesthatthisbanhassevereimplication
for many of our farmers. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acted
urgently to take up the matter at the highest level, and is in the
process of cementing a proper bilateral trade agreement. Our Head
of State is also engaging his colleague directly on the matter. As a
country,weweresurprised bythe ban.Wedidnotexpectit,butwe
are now working towards a diplomatic solution. We are aware that

the Government of Somalia is reviewing the ban and we expect to

offer you further direction soon. We are confident that both
countrieswillbeabletoquicklyreachanamicablesolution.

Finally, let me speak to an item that has occasioned significant

national excitement: the upcoming two day Jubilee Party
Convention. The event is scheduled to take place in Kasarani
Stadium. All Jubilee supporters are invited to the event including
members of the public. Indeed we are expecting thousands in
attendancefrom acrossthecountry.AsGovernment,wehavesetup
the appropriate security measures to ensure the safety of leaders,
delegates and the general public. Traffic marshalls have also been
alertedand arrangementsare beingmadetoensureawellmanaged
traffic situation. That said, those who are using Thika Road are
advised that there will likely be some traffic to contendwithin that
area. However, we generally look forward to a peaceful, successful
day.

Withthoseremarks,letmenowopenthefloortoyourquestion.