Political leaders, clan elders and government officials have urged Mandera residents to help flush out Al-Shabaab.
This call came after it emerged that militants were seeking refuge in Mandera County after being cornered in Somalia.
Moreover, the militants raided two mosques in the county on Saturday, October 22 and lectured locals.
Furthermore, Mandera residents have been challenged to emulate their neighbors in Somalia and join the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Mr Mohamed Abdinoor Gesse, who is one of the clan elders, asked locals to be at the frontline in the fight against the terror group by sharing information with security agencies.
“Our neighbors are chasing away their enemy, who is running into our county. I know our government is very much aware. Let our government remain alert and resist any attempts by the enemy to cross into our country,” Mr Gesse said.
He also added that the national government, should empower police reservists and deploy more security agents on the Kenya-Somali border.
Likewise, Mandera County Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha challenged the local community to join security agencies in the fight against the terror group.
“We are facing security challenges from our neighbors, but we are determined to win this fight. I am asking the local community to join us so that together we can fight the enemy,” Mr Kyatha stated.
The county commissioner further stated that the militants are aided by some locals in their activities in Mandera.
“Among these people frustrating us are our own sons who are assisting the enemy to get into interior areas of Libehiya and Ashabito. Investigations have shown that our own sons are part of this problem,” he said.
Also Read: Somali President Urges Citizens to Avoid Al-Shabaab Territory
In addition, Mr. Kyatha noted that Mandera residents must stand up as a community and eject Al-Shabaab. He further urged elected leaders in the county to put their words into action and help fight the militants
“We need development in this county and not destruction. We want our children in schools,” he said.
The national government has been fighting this terror group and urging residents to assist by sharing information on Al-Shabaab operations in the county.
However, a few hours after calls for unity against Al-Shabaab, the terror group raided two mosques in the county and lectured locals attending morning prayers on Saturday.
Reports state that the militants who were armed with AK-47 rifles, went to Elram A and Elram B mosques and took over the session for a while.
In the sessions they lectured, the militants urged residents to join them in fighting the government.
