Religious leaders in Garissa raise alarm over rising insecurity, human trafficking

They cited a worrying rise in muggings, stabbings and violent robberies that have left several people dead and many others seriously injured.

The leaders voiced their concerns during Eid al-Adha prayers held at the Rtd General Mohamud Eid grounds in Garissa town.

Addressing hundreds of Muslim faithful during the prayers, Sheikh Bashir Leili called for urgent and collective action to restore security and protect young people from crime and exploitation.

Garissa town has in recent months witnessed a sharp increase in criminal activity, with residents reporting frequent attacks, particularly at night.

The situation has become alarming, with hardly a day passing without reports of muggings, stabbings or violent robberies. Victims are often left nursing serious injuries, while others lose their lives in the attacks.

Sheikh Leili said the deteriorating security situation should concern every member of society, stressing that restoring order is a collective responsibility.

“The current situation in our town should worry all of us. We must come together as parents, elders, religious leaders, security agencies, schools and the county government to ensure that this trend is stopped before it gets worse,” said Sheikh Leili.

The cleric expressed concern that many of the crimes are allegedly being committed by young people, attributing the trend to rampant drug and substance abuse, poor parenting, and the gradual breakdown of moral values in society.

“I want to call on all stakeholders, including parents, community leaders, religious institutions, security agencies, schools and the county government, to work together in addressing the growing vice. The fight against crime cannot be left to the government alone,” he added.

Sheikh Leili also decried increasing cases of human trafficking in the region, describing it as a serious threat to the safety and future of children and young people.

He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely monitor the movements of their children, as well as the company they keep.

The concerns come amid persistent reports of young people being smuggled from Kenya through Garissa and eventually trafficked to Libya in search of better opportunities abroad.

Community elder Osman Mohamed called on security agencies to move swiftly and dismantle criminal and human trafficking syndicates operating in the area, saying their activities had created fear and anxiety among residents.

“As elders together with our religious leaders, we will continue preaching peace, morality and responsible behaviour among the youth. Our community must also continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by sharing information that could help curb insecurity and restore public confidence,” said Osman.

The worsening insecurity has also negatively affected businesses in the town, with boda boda operators bearing the biggest burden.

Several riders have reportedly been attacked by criminals posing as passengers, with some incidents turning fatal.

In October last year, hundreds of residents, most of them non-locals living and working in Garissa, staged peaceful demonstrations following the killing of Hillary Ochieng, a lecturer at Garissa Teachers Training College.

The killing sparked outrage across the town, prompting teachers, boda boda riders and other residents to demand justice and stronger action against criminal gangs.

Demonstrators carried placards and tree branches bearing messages such as “Justice for Ochieng,” while accusing police of failing to effectively deal with the rising crime wave.

Two weeks ago, escalating insecurity prompted security agencies to intensify operations across Garissa town and its environs, leading to the arrest of several suspects who were later arraigned in court.

Sheikh Isack Abdullahi leads Muslim faithful during Eid al-Adha prayers. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Community elder Osman Mohamed speaking to the press after the prayers./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Hundreds of Muslim faithful conducting Eid al-Adha prayers held at the Rtd. General Mohamud Eid Grounds in Garissa town./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Hundreds of Muslim faithful conducting Eid al-Adha prayers held at the Rtd. General Mohamud Eid Grounds in Garissa town./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Sheikh Bashir Leili addressing hundreds of Muslim faithful from Garissa during the prayers, Eid al-Adha prayers. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO