The Inspector General (IG) of Police Japhet Koome has issued a stern warning to residents of Meru, Isiolo, Baringo and Samburu counties following recent attacks where six businessmen were killed.
In a statement dated April 2, the IG warned the perpetrators against sustaining their attacks on innocent citizens failure to which they would face the full force of the law.
“Let me be clear, that whether the resurgence of these attacks is attributed to retaliations among members of communities, or collaboration among communities to attack members of other communities, or be they targeted attacks on security personnel and installations, expansionist tendencies or the commercialization of banditry as the case has been, my message to the bandits is one: stop or face the full force of the law,” read the statement.
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IG Koome on Measures Taken to Stop Attacks
Additionally, Koome noted that the Defense Ministry has taken action to prevent any future attacks including establishing a multi-agency command center for Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia and Samburu.
At the same time, the statement indicated that the IG had deployed additional new sophisticated equipment and formed police units in the affected areas, to beef up an ongoing operation to end the violence.
“Besides the Chemolingot Multi-Agency Operation Centre, we have now established a multi-agency command center for Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia and Samburu, deployed additional new sophisticated equipment and formed police units in the affected areas including Loruk and Mukogodo to beef up the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift.”
“The military and National Police Reservists continue to support the National Police Service with KDF having established additional camps in Nolkera and Kurkur along Malaso belt,” added the statement.
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Attack on Six Meru Businessmen
IG Koome’s response came on the back of surging attacks targeting civilians in several counties in the northern frontier of Kenya.
His silence on the attacks that have left scores dead was notable with leaders and Kenyans in general questioning the position of security chiefs on the surging cases of banditry or terror-related attacks.
Isiolo and Meru counties have been reported to record a resurgence of cattle rustling and banditry, targeting ranches and conservancies.
Similarly, Saimo Soi Ward in Baringo County, Kerio Valley Belt and Morijo in Samburu Central Sub County have witnessed recent attacks which have led to partial displacement of population, loss of lives, property and closure of some learning institutions.
In the latest incident, six Meru hawkers were shot dead when suspected militants opened fire at them on Friday, March 29.
Liboi Deputy County Commissioner, Ali Manduku said that the attack occurred in the early hours of the morning and appeared to stem from business rivalry.
Despite the closure of the Kenya and Somalia border in 2011, residents from both nations persist in crossing the border, and engaging in business activities.
