Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki declared 13 areas in Marsabit County as dangerous and the order will remain in place for 30 days.
The directive is in response to a series of alarming security breaches at the Dabel Artisanal Mining Sites in the Golbo Division of Marsabit County.
As per the orders which will be effective 0630Hours March 14, 2024, the Dabel Artisanal Mining Sites specified in Gazette Notice No.3032 were declared as dangerous and disturbed areas.
At the same time, Kindiki issued immediate vacation orders.
“Effective 0630 Hours today, 14th March 2024, the Dabel Artisinal Mining Sites described in Gazette Notice No.3032 of even date, have been declared dangerous and disturbed and vacation orders issued,” read the statement from Interior Ministry.
Moreover, according to Section 8(1) of the Public Order Act and Section 106(1) of the National Police Service Act, individuals are prohibited from entering the designated areas without written authorization from the County Police Commander of Marsabit County.
Equally important, the move aims to assert control over the region, placing it under the jurisdiction of national security agencies and strictly prohibiting any form of access or activity within the specified zones for the duration of these orders.
Furthermore, the Gazette Notice highlights specific locations within the Hillo Area of Dabel Location in Golbo Division that have been identified as focal points of unrest and criminal activity.
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These areas, include Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Irress Abamartille , Hillo Gootu, Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karray ,Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee, and Hillo Godde Haroressa which are now subject to heightened security measures and stringent access restrictions.
Armed criminals have been exploiting the region to facilitate the illicit trade of narcotics, leading to deadly clashes among rival gangs of illegal miners.
This week alone as reported by the Interior Ministry, the death toll rose to seven, including two foreigners, while incidents of rape, defilement, and gender-based violence have been rampant.
“The area has been rife with armed criminals facilitating trade in narcotic drugs, while 7 people including two (2) aliens were killed this week in gang rivalries among the illegal artisanal miners on site,” read the statement in part from Kindiki.
To address this crisis, a specialized team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has assumed control of the investigations to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
“A special team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over Investigations to identify and apprehend the offenders,” stated Kithure Kindiki in a statement.
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The thirty-day timeframe specified in the Gazette Notice will provide a window of opportunity for authorities in Marsabit to assess the effectiveness of the measures implemented and make informed decisions regarding their continuation or modification.
