Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has ordered a security operation in the Kom mining area in Isiolo county to determine if the area is safe for mining.
He said they would close down the mine if it was found unsafe.
“I want to order the regional security committee to go to Kom on Monday and assess if the area is safe and report by Tuesday if found not safe it should be closed down as we have closed down Dabel in Marsabit County,” Kindiki said.
He said no activity would continue at the mines until they are sure the area is safe for residents.
The Interior boss said about seven people were killed in Dabel after a group of miners engaged in a fight.
“Some of the people there were reported foreigners from the neighbouring Ethiopia country others were criminals and others drug peddlers so we had to close it,” Kindiki said.
Kindiki said they would close more nines that are harbouring criminals.
The Interior boss lauded the National police reservists for playing a key role in beefing up security in areas facing insecurity cattle rustling and banditry.
Kindiki spoke on Thursday at Alamach Isiolo county where he oversaw the pass out of 138 National Police Reservists that will help tame insecurity in the county as they are the first line of defence.
He said in all counties where banditry is high the National Police reservists have done a good job by providing the much-needed support to neutralise the vice.
“Many people have lost their lives because of banditry others have lost their property and this time the government has decided that the vice must end,” Kindiki said.
The CS said the government will use sophisticated weapons like armoured personnel couriers, drones and others to deal with bandits
