Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has called for a joint meeting with leaders from Isiolo, Samburu, Meru, and Marsabit counties to address the rising insecurity in the region. The move comes as bandit attacks continue to claim lives and destroy livestock, sparking fear among residents. Guyo made the appeal during an appearance before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee in Nairobi, where he also addressed audit queries related to his administration. The governor's call for a meeting aims to foster cooperation and find a lasting solution to the insecurity.
Guyo's appearance before the Senate committee also brought an end to a dispute over his failure to attend earlier sessions. Senators had issued an arrest warrant against him, but it was cancelled after he apologized and explained that circumstances beyond his control had prevented him from attending. The governor paid a Sh500,000 fine and provided written answers to audit questions, leading to the withdrawal of the arrest warrant. Committee vice chairperson Samson Cherargei announced that senators would study Guyo's submissions and might require him to return for further explanations.
The security situation in Isiolo and neighbouring counties was a major concern during the committee session. Guyo reported that recent bandit attacks had resulted in the deaths of five people, including police officers, and significant livestock losses. He emphasized that the response to the insecurity should involve leaders from the affected counties, rather than relying solely on security operations. Guyo urged the governors and other leaders to engage their communities and find ways to reduce the violence.
Guyo claimed that bandits from Samburu had stolen nearly 15,000 cattle belonging to Isiolo residents, highlighting the scale of livestock losses. He appealed to the Samburu governor to engage leaders from both counties and bring communities together to prevent further escalation. The governor also expressed concern that the focus on security operations had been on the animals killed, rather than the human lives lost. He argued that the deaths of people in bandit attacks should be at the centre of the security debate.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua supported Guyo's call for firm action against banditry, citing similar attacks in his county that had left residents dead and injured. Wambua also raised questions over the treatment of livestock during security operations, arguing that police officers should protect animals rather than target them. The senator's comments underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the insecurity in the region.
The Senate committee's discussion highlighted the need for cooperation and dialogue among leaders in the affected counties. Guyo's proposal for a joint meeting aims to bring together leaders from Isiolo, Samburu, Meru, and Marsabit to find a lasting solution to the insecurity. The governor's efforts to address the security challenges facing his county and neighbouring counties have received support from senators, who have urged him to work with other leaders to prevent further violence.
The security situation in Isiolo and neighbouring counties remains a concern, with residents living in fear of bandit attacks. Guyo's call for a joint meeting and the Senate committee's discussion have highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the insecurity. The governor's efforts to foster cooperation and find a lasting solution to the violence have been welcomed, and it is hoped that his proposal will lead to a reduction in the bandit attacks and improved security for residents.
Key points
- Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo calls for a joint meeting with leaders from neighbouring counties to address insecurity.
- The governor's appearance before the Senate committee addressed audit queries and ended a dispute over his failure to attend earlier sessions.
- The security situation in Isiolo and neighbouring counties remains a concern, with residents living in fear of bandit attacks.
