Gov't to deploy special forces, elite units to tame insecurity in Northern Kenya

The government has initiated a security operation in response to threats of terrorism and violent extremism in Northern Kenya and the Upper Coastal regions, including Tana River and Lamu counties.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday underscored that the operation involves the deployment of special forces and elite units tasked with pursuing and neutralizing armed criminals.

"We salute and pay homage to our courageous multi-agency security officers who have fallen in line of duty, defending our nation and its people from criminals,” Kindiki stated.

 "The Government will continue to equip our officers with modern weapons and technology to enhance their capacity to deal with criminals.”

The measures he mentioned include providing officers government protection when lawfully safeguarding themselves and the public from armed criminals using their assigned weapons.

Speaking in Tana River County, Kindiki further implored communities living in border areas to peacefully coexist.

"Political leaders must desist from inciting members of the public in the guise of addressing historical grievances. Any leader inciting violence will be apprehended and prosecuted, their political affiliation notwithstanding,” he cautioned.

Moreover, Kindiki declared the formal establishment of Galledyertu as a fully operational Sub-County, revealing that the Government would engage a contractor to commence construction of the Sub-County Headquarters in the region, commencing on October 1, 2023.

In attendance were Tana River Governor Godhana Dhadho, Senator Danson Mungatana, MPs, Members of the County Assembly, and representatives from the Coast Region, Tana River County, and Galledyertu Sub-County Security and Intelligence Committees.

The function came just hours after a suspected al Shabaab attack that left one person dead and seven houses in ruins in the neighbouring Lamu County.