Joint security forum tightens grip on emerging threats in North Eastern

North Eastern regional commissioner John Otieno addressing the press./HANDOUT

The North Eastern Regional Commissioner, John Otieno, has underscored the critical role of the Regional Multisectoral Coordination and Cooperation Forum, noting that its collaborative model has become central to strengthening peace and security across the region.

 Speaking to the press in Garissa during a regional security briefing, the commissioner said the forum—bringing together both state and non-state actors—provides a rare but vital platform for open dialogue, intelligence-sharing and joint planning.

 He emphasised that the ability of security agencies, community leaders, civil society groups and other stakeholders to sit together has significantly improved the region’s capacity to respond to emerging threats and enhance service delivery.

 “This forum gives us an opportunity to share information in real time, harmonise strategies and collectively address issues that affect the security and well-being of our people. It is a space where every actor, whether state or non-state, plays a role in safeguarding our region,” Otieno said.

 The RC said the region has witnessed peace and stability apart from an isolated unfortunate incident that occurred Liboi where one of the security vehicles railed over an improvised explosive device and there was one fatality and three injuries.

 The region has in the past faced insecurity due to Al Shabaab terrorism and chronic inter-clan conflicts, mostly brought about by fights over resources.

 He expressed gratitude to members of the public, community members and elected leaders for their continued cooperation with security agencies noting that the partnership has yielded remarkable progress.

 “Our region is more secure today because the public and their leaders have chosen to work closely with us. Their support has been invaluable. It has contributed to a more stable environment in which residents can conduct their daily activities without fear,” the commissioner said.

 He however raised concern over the recent rise of juvenile gangs and persistent cases of gender-based violence, noting that these issues require firm and coordinated intervention.

 He said this has led to an increase in cases of vices, calling on the committee to firmly deal with the vices.

 “As a committee, we want to completely discourage the use of the maslaha system in cases related to gender-based violence and teenage marriages and advocate for use of the normal court processes,” he said.

 He also added that there are national development projects in the region, including road constructions and affordable housing, the committee will be in a position to update on the status of the projects.

 “Drug abuse is a menace in Garissa town and the security agencies, together with the members of the public, are working to address this,” he said.

 He urged the forum’s committee to prioritise these emerging threats and develop actionable strategies to curb them.

 Mohammed Osman a peace patriarch from Wajir county, urged residents to come together and unite to ensure they promote peace and stability in the region.

 He condemned what he described as the growing interference of politicians in local security matters, arguing that political influence has become the weakest link in efforts to curb clan clashes in the region.

 He accused local leaders of fueling tensions for personal gain, saying their actions continue to inflame rivalries and undermine long-standing mechanisms for conflict resolution.

 “It is unfortunate that meddling has penetrated deeply into the regional administration, weakening the authority of the deputy county commissioners. This has compromised the chain of command. Going forward, this has to stop,” Osman said.

 He said drug and substance abuse in the region has led to an increase in cases of gender-based violence and urged the authorities to ensure they deal with it firmly.

 Mohamed Khalif, a local human rights defender, insisted that sustained collaboration from security agencies, elders, youth and opinion leaders will be essential in breaking the cycles of insecurity and building renewed confidence among residents.