Release herders arrested in Mpeketoni attackers swoop, Garissa leaders demand

GARISSA COUNTY: Leaders in Garissa County want the Government to explain the whereabouts of herders arrested by security personnel in Lamu County following the recent security crackdown.

The leaders, led by deputy governor Abdullahi Hussein, were speaking at General Mohamud Idd praying ground Monday.

They said it is unacceptable for hundreds of pastoralists, who had crossed into Lamu in search of pasture and water for their livestock, to be arrested and their whereabouts kept secret.

Hussein questioned the manner in which security operations to flush out criminals causing lawlessness in Lamu are being conducted.

He said while the relationship between the county governments and their national counterparts on security matters is important, the county government will side with locals when the rights of residents are violated.

Meanwhile, Garissa County Commissioner Rashid Khator has urged residents to collaborate with security apparatus in flushing out criminals in the town saying the partnership is key to the region’s overall security.

Khator was referring to recent incidents of insecurity in the town, which have been blamed on some members of the Oromo Liberation Front believed to be targeting rival individuals from Ethiopia.

“I would like to thank those residents who chased down and apprehended one of the gunmen who shot a businessman in Garissa Ndogo area recently. I urge all residents to continue observing the Nyumba Kumi initiative since this will help us easily identify criminal elements living amongst us,” he said.

Khator also urged residents to ensure they remain peaceful while celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr.