I will not preside over a town of juvenile gangs, RC Otieno warns on Garissa insecurity

Northeastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno speaking at the meeting./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Garissa residents living in fear over a surge in violent crime have been promised tougher action after North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno ordered security agencies and local administrators to work around the clock to restore order.

Otieno issued the directive amid rising cases of murders, stabbings, armed robberies and break-ins targeting homes and businesses in Garissa town and its environs.

Speaking during a Regional Security Committee meeting at the Garissa Government Guest House, the commissioner told security officers to intensify operations against criminal gangs, saying the government would not tolerate lawlessness taking root in the county.

"We have had challenges in the matter of security in Garissa town. A lot has been done, and a lot more will be done so that people from this town can go about their daily activities without fear of being attacked," Otieno said.

The meeting brought together Deputy County Commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners, Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs from across the county to review the performance of National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) and assess the prevailing security situation.

Otieno expressed concern over gangs operating openly in the town despite the presence of security personnel and administrators.

"There is no reason whatsoever why people should live in fear or why we should have criminal gangs marauding within the town. When you look around, we have so many officers here wearing the symbols of authority, yet you have gangs walking around with knives and pangas. That is unacceptable, and it must stop. And I repeat, it must stop," he said.

In one of his strongest warnings, the Regional Commissioner vowed not to allow juvenile gangs to take over Garissa.

"I am not going to preside over a town of juvenile gangs. It can't be," he said.

Otieno said authorities would conduct a comprehensive review of the county's security challenges and develop strategies to address identified weaknesses.

"We must have a very serious conversation on this particular matter. Going forward, things will and must change," he said.

He also underscored the importance of National Government Administrative Officers remaining visible within communities.

"Visibility of National Government Administrative Officers is very critical because where they are not visible, then the government is not visible. Where you don't see the chief, where you don't see the Deputy County Commissioner, then there is no government. The issue of visibility is critical and I want to emphasize that it must be taken seriously going forward," he said.

Otieno reminded administrators that, as chairpersons of local security committees, they have a duty to coordinate security efforts and strengthen service delivery.

He further noted that security is the foundation of development, warning that progress cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness.

"Security is a prerequisite for development. Without security, you will not realize development. Therefore, if we are to talk about development, we must ensure that the security of this county is top-notch," he said.

His remarks come barely a week after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale appealed for greater public cooperation with security agencies to restore peace and stability in the region.

Speaking in Garissa town, Duale urged residents to share information that could help police arrest criminals.

"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 former Garissa Township MP said security agencies cannot effectively combat crime without support from local communities, stressing that residents have a critical role in safeguarding their neighbourhoods.