North Eastern militias will not be tolerated, commissioner warns

The government has vowed to crack the whip on bandits and militias who have been blamed in part for never-ending conflicts among communities in the North Eastern region.

North Eastern Regional Commissioner Mohamed Birik said on Tuesday that the government will not tolerate such groups as they derail peace efforts.

WARNING

Speaking in Wajir on Tuesday, Mr Birik warned that individuals, including politicians, and groups found pitting communities against each other will face the full force of the law.

“Wherever you find militias, there are always the hands of politicians, who sometimes fund the groups from within and even abroad. We will arrest such leaders should we find them responsible,” he said.

His warning came days after two members of parliament (MPs) from Marsabit County were arrested over clashes that have left several people dead.

The regional boss further said that chiefs and their assistants will be held responsible for attacks in their areas of jurisdiction. They will be terminated from service or punished in other ways, he said.

SETTLEMENTS

Terrorism, border conflicts and sprouting settlements are among the county's major issues.

On the settlements, Mr Birik, who spoke for the first time since taking office, said no new ones will come up as the government's resources are strained.

He also pointed out that the settlements are a factor to consider when it comes to inter-community conflicts.

Mr Birik also addressed the issue of possession of small arms and noted the need for urgent intervention as they are used to harm people.

The commissioner reported that boundary disputes have resulted in the deaths of at least 127 people, with Eldas, Wajir North and Wajir West bearing the brunt.

He advised residents against the "gun culture" and told them to maintain peace, especially along boundaries, as the government looks for amicable solutions to conflicts.

While noting that at least four schools have been closed due to clashes, Mr Birik directed County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara to ensure their reopening in January.

He added that they plan to set up police posts.

MIGRANTS

On human trafficking and illegal entries into Kenya, the officials noted that the Wajir North route has become popular with Ethiopians, 32 of whom were arrested last week.

Mr Birik said, however, that the security committee has identified the main routes and increased surveillance.

The official allayed fears that some aliens have been using fake identity cards to get registered but asked the immigration department to zero in on the criminals who issue the documents.

"I warn middlemen who use the business for their own selfish interests that their days are numbered,” he said.

BORDER WALL

Mr Birik noted that the Kenya-Somalia border wall is still under construction but that "huge success" has been achieved in securing areas along the completed eight-kilometre stretch.

He termed attacks on non-locals as unfortunate and said the county has taken several steps, including transfers, to keep teachers safe.

Mr Birik met elders, youths, women and religious leaders in the county. Wajir Governor Mohamed Abdi, Deputy Governor Ali Werar and Woman representative Fatuma Gedi were among the leaders present.

Governor Abdi promised to work with the regional commissioner on lasting solutions to boundary conflicts and terrorism in the region.

Mrs Gedi raised concerns about increasing cases of rape and defilement, as well as drug abuse, and asked the government to take action.