Gov’t beefs up security along Samburu, Isiolo and Meru boundary

The government has mobilized the appropriate security mechanisms in a bid to address skirmishes that have led to the loss of lives and property along the Meru, Isiolo and Samburu boundaries in the recent past.

Internal Security Secretary Wilson Njega says the government plans to recruit more National Police Reservists (NPRs) from both Isiolo and Meru counties who will closely work with Anti Stock Theft Unit, General Service Unit and Regular Police officers to ensure that the emerging security concerns in the area are addressed amicably.

Njega says the contingent of security personnel will be engaged in search of stolen animals and ensure the safety of lives and property for the sake of peace and development in the region.

The Interior Secretary in addition notes that NPRs will enhance the manpower of the official security organs since the number of security officers in the affected counties falls below the recommended standard.

Njega adds that a new GSU post will also be established at Rambwa Bridge in Tigania East constituency and assures wananchi that criminals who killed camels and shot dead five people on Tuesday night will be apprehended and prosecuted soon.

Njega, who was accompanied by GSU commandant Douglas Kanja, Eastern Regional Commissioner Evans Achoki and security officers from Nairobi, Eastern region, Meru and Isiolo Counties says that the government will use force to disarm local herders found in possession of illegal firearms.

He added that illegal firearms are dangerous to others who are not armed and also posed a risk to people’s property, where criminals have been stealing at gunpoint.

“Such criminals have formed a habit of hiding behind communities, while some politicians protected them instead of treating them as killers,” said the administrator.

He further warns herders from pastoral communities to stop grazing their animals in the farming areas because the practice had been the major cause of lethal conflicts.

The Interior secretary in conclusion reiterates that every Kenyan has an equal right to own property in any part of the country and it is the government’s responsibility to protect them and their property while cautioning those harbouring criminals that their days were numbered.

On his part, Eastern Regional commissioner Evans Achoki said that the government would not spare politicians who incite youths to commit crimes and protect criminals to escape arrest.

Achoki said more security officers would be deployed in Isiolo, Meru, Samburu and Isiolo and would work under close supervision with their respective Commanding Stations.