- In a quick multi-agency operation, two terror suspects were felled by police bullets and it was revealed that they were radicalized returnees from Somalia.
- Sleuths are currently detaining seven other suspects concerning radicalization in the area as interrogations continue.
Image: JOSIAH ODANGA
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has cautioned his constituents of Hawinga, Uranga and Nyadorera against sparking a religious war amongst themselves.
The three areas have lately been on the police radar after a police officer was killed in Mahero, another one injured and their riffles stolen.
In a quick multi-agency operation, two terror suspects were felled by police bullets and it was revealed that they were radicalized returnees from Somalia.
Sleuths are currently detaining seven other suspects concerning radicalization in the area as interrogations continue.
The legislator said that he is aware that some people in the Hawinga area are planning to revenge.
"I suspect that some people are planning to retaliate in Hawinga and I am going to hold a meeting there. The anti-terror unit is doing a good job and we thank the community for giving very helpful information," Atandi said.
Atandi explained that there is nothing wrong with the religion of the terror suspects.
The increase in the worship houses that the suspects are being associated with in the Hawinga area has nothing to do with radicalization and terrorism, Atandi said.
"These emerging terror cells have nothing to do with the places of worship and the religious leaders there are already cooperating with the security team," he said.
The MP revealed that his office is in the process of building a police station in Hawinga to enhance police presence in the area.
Siaya County Commissioner Julius Otieno said that the war against the emergence of radicalization in the area is on.
"It is a work in progress and the security agencies handling it have diminished their capabilities and we will stay there as long as it takes," Otieno said.
His sentiments were echoed by Siaya County Police Commander Cleti Kimaiyo, who said that they are ready to "dismantle radicalization in Hawinga, Uranga and Nyadorera areas".
Meanwhile, the leaders met Friday to lay strategies that will restore security following the upsurge in murder incidents in Alego Usonga that has affected bodaboda operators the most.
"We have had a fruitful meeting with the county security committee and the area MP. Our main concern was to focus on the emerging security challenges and we have come up with strategies to counter those challenges," said Otieno.
My assurance is that security will be enhanced and we will enjoy the festive season without challenges, Otieno said.
Atandi hailed the deployment of new security chiefs in Siaya which include the county commander, head of intelligence and the director of criminal investigations.
"I have heard a good chance to engage them on their approach to resolving the security challenges that we have and I am confident that the approaches they have told me are going to work for our people," Atandi said.
He called on the locals to go about their businesses as usual without any fear that the strategies were not going to work.
Junior police officers who have overstayed in Alego Usonga and Siaya County in general are also set to be transferred, Atandi said.