The clergy has ben urged to vet parthners before presising over marriages in church. Athi River deputy county commissioner Odidi Otieno said this would help reduce cases of femicides among married couples in the country.
"Don't bless death, pastors. Sisi wenye tuko kwa kanisa, ukiona mtu tabia mbaya, don't bless that person; you are blessing death," Otieno said.
Otieno spoke when he presided over the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations at the KMC grounds in Athi River, Machakos County, on Thursday.
He said people should walk away from toxic relationships and marriages to avoid unnecessary confrontations and deaths among couples.
All four divisions in Athi River subcounty—Mavoko, Mlolongo, Lukenya, and Kinanie—converged at the venue to mark the day.
"Eti chenye Mungu ameunganisha, binadamu hawezi tenganisha. Kikiumana, walk away. Men, if you are told no, accept it, don't stick there. That's not the only woman in the world. You should assault and kill someone," Otieno said.
The administrator cited an incident where a woman was shot dead in unclear circumstances in Tala, Matungulu subcounty, on Wednesday.
He cautioned mothers against forcing their daughters in marriages.
"Women, if marriage has failed to work, there is no need to lose your life; move out so as to avoid deaths," Otieno said.
On matters of general security in the subcounty, Otieno said security apparatus won't break for Christmas holidays.
"The government has told us (security agents) not to go anywhere and remain at work. We won't sleep on the job but work day and night fighting any form of crime," Otieno said.
Otieno said there shall be no freedom for criminals in Athi River subcounty and its environs; it's going to be tough on them.
He told those operating bars in the subcounty to ensure they obtain all necessary documents from the relevant authorities and abide by all laws and regulations governing the trade to avoid being in conflict with the law.
Otieno cautioned such traders against operating without licenses.
He also warned peddlers of narcotics that they had no room for such trade in the Athi River.
Otieno told the local leaders to unite and peacefully serve their electorate.
He told supporters of various politicians to stop warring against each other since it was unnecessary.
"You fight while the leaders themselves you fight for are friends; they talk. You are foolish. There is no need for fighting," Otieno said.
Otieno urged the residents to register for SHA, stating that it was yet to reach 40 percent in registrations in the Athi River subcounty.
He said the Grade 9 classroom construction was at 82 percent complete. 60 such classrooms are under construction in Athi River subcounty.
Area Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit commander Mohamed Nur Ibrahim said there was no space for criminals in Athi River subcounty.
He urged residents to volunteer information to the police for prompt action.
"As your employees, we urge that you cooperate with us, give us information, and we will do our work. There is no space for criminals; they should shape up or sheep out," Ibrahim said.
"We won't sleep on the job," Ibrahim added.
Athi River South subcounty police commander Philis Muthoni said police officers aren't bad people.
Muthoni emphasized the need for cooperation between police and the public.
"My door is open; come and give me information. You shouldn't fear anything," Muthoni said.
Muthoni told the public to be careful and drink responsibly during the festive season.
Athi River East subcounty police commander Anderson Mbae said they were ready and equal to the task during the festive season.
“We have made necessary arrangements and preparations to ensure that we protect residents and their property during this festive season. However, you all need to understand that security starts with oneself, hence the need for the public's cooperation with us (security personnel),” Mbae said.
