Marsabit Police Ordered to Contain Human and Drug Trafficking

Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Muganda has expressed concern over the increasing cases of human trafficking from a neighboring country through Marsabit County. He has ordered security agencies to take mandatory action to end the menace. This concern comes after a recent multi-agency operation rescued 60 Eritrean nationals in Central Marsabit sub-county. The operation targeted suspected trafficking and smuggling of humans and goods.

Muganda questioned the rise in drug trafficking and the movement of contraband goods despite the presence of security agents and numerous checkpoints along major roads in the county. He challenged police officers manning major roads to explain how trafficked persons, illegal drugs, and contraband goods continued to find their way into Nairobi and other parts of the county. The RC pointed out that the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had also expressed concern over the continued movement of illegal goods and people.

Muganda called on officers to take responsibility for their respective areas of operation and ensure that criminal networks do not exploit security gaps to transport prohibited people, drugs, and goods. He warned that police officers found colluding with traffickers or abetting crime would face disciplinary action. The RC asked law enforcement agents to ensure that criminal networks are dismantled and those involved are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Muganda urged officers to uphold professionalism, transparency, respect for human dignity, and the protection of life as outlined in their oath of service. He challenged officers manning roadblocks to conduct thorough inspections and remain vigilant, noting that checkpoints were established to prevent criminal activities and safeguard the wellbeing of the nation. This comes as the government assesses the security situation and implements measures to protect residents and refugees from possible spillover effects of the conflict in neighboring Ethiopia.

The Regional Criminal Investigations Officer Michael Sang commended the county security team for its efforts in combating crime and promoting peaceful coexistence among residents and communities in refugee camps. He challenged police officers to remain at the forefront of protecting the lives and property of Kenyans, saying there should be no security gaps that criminals could exploit. The Marsabit County security team called for a multi-agency approach in tackling crime and maintaining law and order in the border region.

The County Commissioner Stanley Kamande urged officers to always be swift in action whenever illegal activities were encountered, emphasizing that peace and stability along the Kenya-Ethiopia border was key. Muganda assured residents of Moyale sub-county and the wider Marsabit County of enhanced security following escalating violence in neighboring Ethiopia, which has forced thousands of people to flee across the border into Kenya.

The government has pledged to strengthen security through increased deployment of more security personnel and vehicles to enhance security in the area. Muganda called on residents to maintain peace and unity, assuring them that the government remained committed to protecting both Kenyans and refugees in Moyale.

Key points

• The government has assessed the security situation and is implementing measures to protect residents and refugees from possible spillover effects of the conflict in neighboring Ethiopia.