Leaders from Isiolo County, representing various communities including Borana, Meru, Somali, and Turkana, have expressed their support for the ongoing security operation in Samburu County. They urge the government to sustain the crackdown on armed banditry, livestock theft, and other forms of insecurity until the issues are brought under control. The leaders, who include Charri Ward MCA Golicha Mejja and human rights activist Annab Kassim, argue that prematurely stopping the operation could undermine efforts to recover illegal firearms and stolen animals.
The security operation, which began last week, aims to recover illegal firearms, stolen livestock, and dismantle criminal networks. However, Samburu leaders, led by Governor Jonathan Lelelit, have criticized aspects of the operation, citing concerns over its impact on livestock and local communities. In response, Ms. Kassim emphasized the need for sustained security measures to address persistent attacks and livestock theft affecting communities along the Isiolo-Samburu border. She cited a recent attack at Gotu, where five people, including two senior officers from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, were killed.
The Gotu incident has heightened concerns among local leaders, who fear the stolen firearms could be used for further attacks. The leaders are calling for intensified efforts to track down the attackers and recover the stolen weapons. They also emphasize the need to recover stolen livestock, as livestock theft continues to fuel conflict between communities in the region. According to the leaders, protecting civilians and their property should remain a priority.
Mr. Golicha criticized claims by some Samburu leaders that security officers had killed hundreds of animals during the operation. He argued that security officers face difficult circumstances, with some armed groups using livestock as cover during confrontations. He suggested that the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths of livestock should be investigated alongside the broader security operation.
The leaders stress that security agencies should not abandon the operation before addressing the threat posed by armed groups and illegal firearms. They prioritize the recovery of the three rifles, ammunition, and grenades taken during the Gotu attack. The leaders also call for closer coordination between security agencies and communities on both sides of the county boundary to prevent further attacks.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that the operation aims to recover illegal firearms and stolen livestock, dismantle criminal networks, and create conditions for lasting peace in the region. He assured that the government would continue efforts to remove illegal weapons from the hands of criminals and disrupt networks involved in banditry and livestock theft.
Mr. Murkomen reported that over 3,000 firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition have been recovered in the Kerio Valley and Northern Kenya regions through similar security operations. He emphasized the need for security officers to exercise caution and ensure minimal damage to livestock and other property while conducting the operation.
Key points
- Isiolo county leaders support sustained security operation to curb banditry and livestock theft.
- The security operation aims to recover illegal firearms, stolen livestock, and dismantle criminal networks.
- Over 3,000 firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition have been recovered in similar operations.
