Residents from Isiolo and Meru counties have expressed their support for the ongoing security operation in Samburu county. The operation, which was launched last Thursday, aims to flush out bandits, recover stolen livestock, and arrest suspects involved in banditry, cattle rustling, and highway robbery. The residents, representing various communities including Borana, Somali, Meru, and Turkana, have urged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen not to suspend the operation due to political pressure.
The security operation was launched following a recent attack by bandits in Gotu, Isiolo County, which resulted in the deaths of five people, including two police officers. The attackers stole three rifles, ammunition, and other equipment. The operation targets areas that have been gazetted as hideouts of bandits, including Lantana, Sereolipi, Lososia, and Laresoro locations in Samburu East Constituency.
However, Samburu county leaders, including Governor Jonathan Lelelit and Senator Steve Lelengwe, have criticized the security operation, alleging that police have targeted innocent civilians and killed over 100 livestock. They have demanded the immediate withdrawal and suspension of the operation, as well as compensation for families whose animals were killed. The police have responded, stating that the livestock were used as shields by bandits during an exchange of gunfire with security personnel.
Despite the criticism, Murkomen has vowed to continue the operation until its objectives are achieved. On Sunday, a group of professionals and residents from Isiolo and Meru counties, led by Bakir Mohamed, expressed their support for the operation. While acknowledging the loss of livestock as regrettable, they emphasized the need for accountability and an end to the repeated attacks, killings, and livestock raids by criminal gangs operating from outside their counties.
The group revealed that 112 people, including national police reservists, have been killed in various areas of Isiolo and Meru counties over the past two years, and thousands of livestock have been stolen. Chari Ward MCA Abdullahi Golicha stated that grazing fields in Merti sub-county have been abandoned due to insecurity, affecting hundreds of pastoralists and their livestock.
Other leaders, including Luke Mithika, a livestock trader, have faulted Samburu county leaders for politicizing the security operation. Mithika accused them of remaining silent when killings and rustling were taking place in Isiolo and Meru counties, but now seeking support from leaders of related communities in other counties.
Madina Hassan, the Gender secretary of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) in Isiolo branch, highlighted the impact of insecurity on teachers and students in various parts of Isiolo. She cited the killing of a deputy principal and the critical injury of a primary school colleague, leading to the temporary closure of schools and the interdiction of four teachers who failed to report back to work due to security concerns.
Key points
- The security operation in Samburu county aims to eradicate banditry and recover stolen livestock.
- Residents of Isiolo and Meru counties have expressed their support for the operation.
- The operation has been criticized by Samburu county leaders, who allege that police have targeted innocent civilians.
