by EZEKIEL AMING'A
Wednesday November 16, 2022
Former Laikipia East Member of Parliament Patrick Mariru.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
Former Laikipia East Member of Parliament Patrick Mariru has today defended his suitability to serve as Defence Principal Secretary.
Mariru who had also served as a member of the Speaker's Panel in the 12 parliament, said he enjoys a competence mix of being a career politician as well as a long serving technocratic.
Mariru said despite his political background, he is aware of the sensitive nature of the docket to which he has been appointed.
He noted that he would be guided in any discussions relating to matters of national security.
"There is a notion out there that politicians are people who are not serious. I have been in this Parliament and I know we have serious professionals here. I take my nomination extremely serious," he said.The Committee chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech put Mariru to task on his scope of understanding of the department of defence, issues of strategic support to the Kenya Defence Forces as well as plans within the ministry to deal with mental health among serving and former officers.
"I am aware there are existing plans and as I move in as a PS, I'll be very keen on that line," he said.
Mariru said he would in his capacity as PS, if approved, device programmes and strategic support to Kenyan troops in Somalia to expedite successful completion of the initial mission.
"There is a formal decision for a draw down from Somalia by 2024. But that cannot be done in a day. it is important we know why we got into Somalia as we also help the government of Somalia in stabilization efforts," said Mariru.