Garissa Governor Nathif Jama chairing the high-level
security meeting./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
A surge in killings, muggings and violent attacks has pushed Garissa leaders into crisis mode, with Governor Nathif Jama warning that the town's hard-earned reputation as one of Kenya's safest urban centres is under threat.
Alarmed by rising insecurity, top government officials, security agencies, religious leaders, elders, youth and women representatives met on Thursday to chart a response to the growing crime wave that has left residents living in fear.
The high-level meeting came amid a spike in criminal incidents over the last three months, including murders, stabbings, armed robberies and break-ins targeting homes and businesses.
The latest victim was Osman Aweis, an American citizen of Somali origin who had travelled from the United States to visit family. He was allegedly attacked by criminals who demanded his phone before stabbing him in the thigh. He later died from excessive bleeding after being found by the roadside.
Residents say violent attacks have become so frequent that hardly a day passes without reports of crime. The insecurity has also taken a toll on business, with many traders now shutting their premises by 6pm to avoid becoming targets.
Addressing stakeholders, Governor Jama said leaders could no longer afford to watch as insecurity worsened.
"This situation cannot continue. Garissa was known for peace and security across the country. It is regrettable that today families are living in fear," he said.
The governor said stakeholders had agreed on the need for immediate interventions to restore law and order and prevent the town from sliding backwards.
Jama pointed an accusing finger at what he described as weaknesses within the national security system, arguing that many of those behind criminal activities are known to the community yet remain free.
He called on the national government to deploy more officers across Garissa Township's four wards and operationalise police stations already constructed in Kunaso and Burburis.
The governor also challenged parents to take greater responsibility for their children, saying some knowingly shield youths involved in crime.
Drug and substance abuse, he said, had emerged as a major driver of criminal activity, prompting leaders and religious institutions to launch awareness campaigns beginning with Friday sermons in local mosques.
Jama further criticised leaders accused of interfering with police work by lobbying for the release of suspects, warning that such actions undermine efforts to tackle crime.
Garissa Deputy County Commissioner Sebastian Okiring said the meeting had identified key causes of insecurity and agreed on measures to strengthen community policing and parental responsibility.
Among the resolutions adopted was a plan to establish a police station in every ward within Garissa Township and create additional administrative units to improve security coordination.
Stakeholders also resolved to intensify crackdowns on unlicensed boda boda riders, tuk-tuk operators and other transport operators, while strengthening cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies.
Participants noted that most suspects involved in criminal activities are aged between 11 and 29 years, highlighting the need for stronger family and community interventions.
Leaders, elders, religious institutions, women and youth groups pledged to work closely with security agencies in what they described as a united effort to restore public confidence and make Garissa safe again.
"Insecurity is a common enemy that threatens development," Okiring said. "We are committed to working together to ensure all communities live in peace and harmony."
Garissa Deputy County Commissioner Sebastian Okiring addressing
the press. With him are other stakeholders among them Garissa governor Nathif Jama.
/STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Iftin Ward MCA Mustapha Abdirashid speaking at the meeting. /STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama chairing the high-level
security meeting./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Elders from Garissa at the meeting,/STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Garissa county SUPKEM secretary general Sheikh Hassan Mohamed./STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
