Kanu chairman Gideon Moi has asked President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to ensure the Inspector General of police is appointed by merit.

Speaking at Kedowa Market in Kipkelion East during a Kanu rally on Sunday, Gideon said the best candidate should be appointed without favouritism.

The former Baringo Central MP said the government should address the deteriorating insecurity in the country before the March 4 elections. Gideon called for the compensation of the families of the 48 security officers killed by cattle rustlers in Baragoi, Samburu, two weeks ago.

"It is a shame for the government to dispatch poorly armed security officers in a region well known for heavily armed and well organised bandits," Gideon said.

He was accompanied by Kanu secretary general Nick Sallat, national organising secretary Abduraham Bafadhil and Sigowet/Soin parliamentary aspirant John Chepkwony.