Security operation against criminal gangs will continue until Garissa is safe, says Otieno

Northeastern regional commissioner John Otieno at the meeting /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

The ongoing security operation targeting criminal gangs terrorising residents of Garissa will continue until peace and normalcy are fully restored, Northeastern regional commissioner John Otieno has vowed.

He spoke on Wednesday at the Garissa Government Guest House during a dinner ceremony to recognise individuals from Garissa Township who have made outstanding contributions to security matters.

Otieno said the government was determined to eliminate criminal gangs that have subjected residents to fear through robberies, assaults and violent attacks.

His remarks come against the backdrop of a sharp rise in insecurity that has plagued Garissa over the past several months.

Residents have increasingly fallen victim to robberies while going about their daily business, with the outskirts of the town bearing the brunt of the attacks.

Several people have been killed in stabbing incidents, others have been left permanently maimed, while many more have sustained serious injuries.

The surge in violent crime has seen many businesses close earlier than usual as traders and customers fear being attacked or robbed.

However, the situation has improved significantly over the past month following an intensified government crackdown targeting criminal gangs, most of whose members are believed to be aged between 15 and 25 years.

The latest arrest took place on Tuesday, when police apprehended a notorious suspect linked to a string of violent robberies in the town.

The suspect was flushed out of his hideout following a coordinated, intelligence-led police operation.

During the raid, police recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used in the commission of various criminal acts.

"I want to assure the residents of Garissa that we are on top of security matters. They have no reason to be worried. The operation that we have started will continue, and it is going to be very painful for the criminals," Otieno said.

"We will deal with them according to the law until this town is more peaceful. We have worked in more dangerous places, so what we are witnessing in Garissa is nothing beyond our capacity. With the team I have here, and the close coordination among all security agencies, residents should be assured that security will be well taken care of." 

The regional commissioner noted that Garissa was a relatively small town that should be easy to secure if residents and security agencies worked together.

"Garissa is a very small town and I am sure if we all unite, both wananchi and the security apparatus, and decide to confront this insecurity being caused by a small group of young boys, we will succeed. These criminal elements must know there is no place for them in this town," he said.

The ongoing operation has seen several suspects arrested, arraigned in court and charged, as security agencies continue to pursue others believed to be behind the attacks.

Otieno reiterated that the operation would not be halted until the criminal networks were completely dismantled and residents could once again go about their daily activities without fear.

Local leaders used the security forum to urge young people to embrace education and skills training as a long-term solution to crime and unemployment.

Abdikadir Hussein, a Garissa resident, challenged young people to enrol in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to acquire practical skills that would enable them to secure gainful employment and improve their livelihoods.

"Our young people must choose skills over crime. Opportunities exist in our TVET institutions, and I encourage them to take advantage of them so they can build dignified and productive lives for themselves," he said.

Garissa county director of youth affairs Abdullahi Idle echoed the call, urging young people to enrol in the many technical and vocational training institutions across the country.

He said idleness, unemployment and a lack of marketable skills among many young people had become major drivers of the insecurity being witnessed in the town.

"We have numerous TVET institutions offering quality training in different fields. Our youth should seize these opportunities, pursue courses of their choice and equip themselves with skills that will help them earn a decent living. When young people have skills and jobs, they are less vulnerable to criminal activities," Idle said.

Two weeks ago, while chairing a regional security committee meeting, Otieno directed security agencies and local administrators to intensify operations and work around the clock to restore law and order.

The meeting brought together deputy county commissioners, assistant county commissioners, chiefs and assistant chiefs from across Garissa county.

In one of his strongest warnings yet, he declared they would not allow juvenile gangs to take over the town.

"I am not going to preside over a town of juvenile gangs. It can't be," he said.

Garissa county director of youth affairs Abdullahi Idle speaking at the event./STEPHEN ASTARIKO