Local administrator from Mandera during the Jukwaa la
Uslaama forum.STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
Chiefs in Mandera County will be issued with firearms to protect themselves from terrorist threats, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced on Monday.
Speaking during the Jukwaa La Usalama forum in Mandera town, Murkomen said chiefs and assistant chiefs facing security risks from al-Shabaab militants will undergo firearm training to enable them to defend themselves while discharging their duties.
The move comes in response to repeated attacks on administrators in the region. Since 2015, at least three chiefs have been killed by suspected militants.
Earlier this year, on February 3, five chiefs, four senior chiefs and one assistant chief were abducted by al-Shabaab fighters while travelling between Wargadud and Elwak. They were released six months later.
“Some of our chiefs have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. They serve at the grassroots to ensure community safety, and we will not compromise their security,” Murkomen said.
The Cabinet Secretary also urged chiefs to remain diligent and avoid corruption, particularly in issuing national identity cards, warning that any malpractice undermines the fight against extremism.
He called for stronger collaboration between chiefs and police commanders in addressing terrorism, as well as inter-clan conflicts over grazing land and water.
Responding to security concerns raised by leaders, Murkomen said the government will continue recruiting and equipping National Police Reservists, improving mobility for officers through the vehicle leasing programme, and modernising operations with the latest security technology.
Residents and leaders at the forum voiced
fears over terror threats, criminal gangs in Mandera town linked to boda boda
operators, and insecurity arising from the conflict in neighbouring Somalia.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is leaving the
Mandera County Commissioner’s office after a meeting.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif and local Members of Parliament appealed for enhanced border patrols, more administrative centres, and the recruitment of additional police reservists.
Khalif pledged the county’s support to national security agencies, saying: “We will remain committed to providing the necessary support to complement their work.”
Murkomen was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy IG–APS Gilbert Masengeli, DCI Director Mohamed Amin, GSU Commander Ranson Lolmodooni, and other senior officials.
The Jukwaa La Usalama forums will
proceed to Wajir on Tuesday before concluding in Garissa later in the week.
