North-eastern13 June 2026 - 18:30

CS Duale urges Garissa residents to cooperate with police as insecurity soars

Duale said restoring peace and stability in the region would require collective responsibility

by STEPHEN ASTARIKO

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Health CS Aden Duale speaking in Saka, Balambala sub county. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Health CS Aden Duale has called on residents of Garissa County to fully cooperate with security agencies in identifying and rooting out criminals behind the recent wave of insecurity that has left residents living in fear.

The town and its environs has in the last few months witnessed a spike in criminal incidents 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.

Speaking at a function in Saka town, Duale said restoring peace and stability in the region would require collective responsibility, urging members of the public to work closely with law enforcement officers by sharing information that can help apprehend those involved in criminal activities.

Duale emphasized that security agencies cannot effectively combat crime without the support of local communities, noting that residents have a critical role to play in safeguarding their neighborhoods.

"I want to appeal to all residents of Garissa and its environs to cooperate fully with our security agencies. If you know individuals involved in criminal activities, do not shield them. Share information with the police so that appropriate action can be taken. Security is everyone's responsibility," said Duale.

The CS further urged residents to allow police officers to carry out their duties without interference, particularly when suspects are arrested.

He expressed concern over a growing tendency where relatives and friends of individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities rush to police stations demanding their immediate release, a practice he said undermines efforts to tackle insecurity.

"We must stop interfering with the work of the police. When suspects are arrested, let investigations take their course. It is wrong for relatives and friends to pressure security officers into releasing individuals who are under investigation. Let the police do their job professionally and without intimidation," he said.

Duale maintained that society has no room for individuals bent on disrupting peace and stability, warning that criminal elements should not expect sympathy from law-abiding citizens.

"As a society, we have no time for criminals and those who thrive on lawlessness. Anyone who wants to ruin the peace, stability and development of our communities is an enemy of all of us and should be treated as such. We cannot allow a few individuals to hold an entire community hostage through acts of criminality," he said.

He simultaneously rallied security officers to remain steadfast in the fight against crime, assuring them of public support as they work to restore normalcy in the region.

"I want to encourage our police officers and other security personnel to remain firm and focused. They must continue pursuing criminals without fear or favour. Those responsible for terrorising residents must be identified, arrested and dealt with according to the law," he said.

Garissa town and its surrounding areas have in recent months experienced a worrying rise in insecurity, with incidents of violent crime leaving many residents fearful and concerned about their safety.

Duale reiterated that lasting security can only be achieved when communities reject criminality and stand united with law enforcement agencies in protecting lives and property.

"Peace and security are prerequisites for development. We must all work together to ensure Garissa remains safe for families, businesses and visitors. Those who choose the path of crime must know that the community will not protect them and the law will take its course," he said.

Barely a week after stakeholders led by Garissa Governor Nathif Jama convened a high-level security meeting and adopted a raft of measures aimed at restoring peace and order across the township.

His comments come barely a week after stakeholders led by Garissa Governor Nathif Jama convened a high-level security meeting and adopted a raft of measures aimed at restoring peace and order across the township.

Among the resolutions reached was the need to strengthen coordination between communities and law enforcement agencies to improve intelligence gathering and crime prevention efforts.

Stakeholders also urged the government to expedite the gazettement and operationalisation of the already constructed police stations and police posts in Kunaso and Burburis.

The meeting further resolved that additional police officers be deployed across the four wards of Garissa Township to enhance security operations and improve public safety.

Participants also proposed the establishment of a police station in every ward to improve access to policing services and strengthen security coverage across the township.