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Coastal security agents breathe sigh of relief with Marwa’s exit

By MOHAMED AHMED January 29th, 2018 2 min read

The nomination of Coast regional coordinator Nelson Marwa for appointment as the Principal Secretary for Devolution has come as a big relief for security agents in the region.

Police officers from the regions have confided in the Nation that they are revealed and happy to see the last of the tough-talking administrator.

Some of them said they expect the pressure that they have been working under will be a thing of the past when Mr Marwa’s new position is confirmed.

Marwa’s name was among those forwarded to Parliament for vetting and possible confirmation as required by law, following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s announcement of his new cabinet last Friday.

Apart from the security officers, Mr Marwa’s appointment could also be a blessing for opposition politicians at the Coast led by Governor Hassan Joho.

CROSSED SWORDS

On many occasions, Marwa and Joho have crossed swords, with Joho at one point calling Mr Marwa a “desk officer”.

Security bosses who have worked with him have also tasted his wrath. Among them was former coast police commandant Philip Tuimur who left office after serving for just one year.

In July last year, Mr Tuimur was transferred to head Embu region and his position taken by Mr Larry Kieng who is still the coast regional police boss.

Mr Tuimur’s transfer was reportedly influenced by Mr Marwa, according to reliable sources.

The main reason for their difference were claims by Marwa that police officers in the region have been compromised by politicians, among them Mr Joho.

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On various occasions, Mr Marwa has also publicly accused the National Police Service of being used to protect the county boss and his close allies.

“I saw the National Police Service officers giving Joho protection. They should keep off. They have been pocketed? Why are they going to protect him?” Marwa once fumed.

Commissioner Maalim Mohammed, who is currently serving in Makueni County, was also transferred from Mombasa in 2016 following differences between him and Marwa.

Mr Marwa has, however, severally put it clear that, he might have issues with “a few misguided individuals” but that he deals with them in accordance with the law.

Now that he is on his way out, police sources can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

“No one has been comfortable here. Whenever you are at work you think of the warnings issued in those conferences you attend. We just hope that he will cease from poking his nose on security issues,” said an officer at the police headquarters.