Interior Cabinet secretary Kiture Kindiki on Wednesday, September 20, stated that the government will deploy special forces and elite unit to Nothern Kenya and the upper coastal region in a move to deal with terrorism.
While speaking in Tana River County, Kindiki noted that the government will continue to equip security officers with modern weapons and technology to counter criminals and those perpetrating violent extremism.
“To effectively deal with the threat of terrorism and violent extremism, the Government is deploying in Northern Kenya and Upper Coastal regions, including Tana River and Lamu Counties, special forces and elite units to ruthlessly pursue and neutralize armed criminals who are terrorising innocent citizens,” CS Kindiki stated.
He added, “The Government will continue to equip our officers with modern weapons and technology to enhance their capacity to deal with criminals.”
Kindiki’s directive came after a spate of attacks in Lamu and parts of North Eastern, claiming loves of Kenyans.
On Wednesday, September 20 night, attackers killed one person and torched seven homes in Widhu area in Lamu county.
According to reports the terrorists attacked the area at around 2am on Wednesday killing security guard of Majembeni primary school before setting the houses ablaze.
Moreover, while condemning the attacks, CS Kindiki noted that the special forces will hunt down and neutralize all terror threats and other related crimes in the region.
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“Forces coming here are not coming as tourists, they are coming to hunt down all the threats of terror in upper coast and northern coast including Lamu and Tana River counties,” CS said.
Kindiki on securing Lamu
On August 11, the attackers burnt down at least ten houses in Salama Village.
Lamu West deputy county commissioner Gabriel Kioni confirmed the incident.
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“The vehicle was waylaid by the heavily armed militants between 6.30 am and 7 am,” he said.
Kindiki also called for peaceful co-existence among communities “and allow relevant Government and Judicial institutions to arbitrate whenever there are cross-border disputes.”
He also warned political leaders against inciting locals saying they will spare no one in the government’s quest to find a lasting solution in the region.
“Political leaders must desist from inciting members of the public in the guise of addressing historical grievances.
Any leader inciting violence and destruction of property will be apprehended and prosecuted, their political affiliation notwithstanding.”
