Consider proposal by ex-servicemen to help in security

On Saturday last week, John Mathenge, the chairman of an association that brings together former members of the Kenya Armed Forces and the Police, known as the Global Veterans Group, offered to help the Government in its fight against the growing wave of crime.

Mr Mathenge noted that there were patriotic members of the group who were unhappy with the prevailing security situation and were offering voluntary services to help restore law and order.

Separately, Benjamin Mwema, a retired Kenya Army officer involved in conflict resolution and peace initiatives in the region, claimed that ex-servicemen were involved in crime and cited the leadership of both the Sabaot Land Defence Force and the Mombasa Republican Council as examples.

In previous editorials, this newspaper has taken note of the possible involvement of people with police training in crime by the manner of organisation and execution of some of the raids and killings.

The fact that the atrocities are repeated speaks of organisational abilities that common criminals lack.

Because of that, the Government should consider the offer for two reasons: First, the Kenya Police Service is under-staffed and even if it were to recruit, training would take time yet our need for security is immediate.

Secondly, the veterans have a wealth of experience and possess adequate training unlike new recruits.

In past operations, like in Kapedo and Suguta Valley, the inexperience of the personnel has been cited as a reason for failure.

However, should the Government take up the offer; volunteers should be vetted, based on their service record.

Though they are offering a voluntary service, a token would give their offer more purpose.

The observation by the veterans that forceful disarmament of people in affected areas will not achieve much since they can easily acquire more arms from neighbouring countries because of the laxity in guarding our borders, should be taken seriously.

For as long as residents of affected areas feel neglected and abandoned by the Government, they will look for means "to defend themselves" as is the case now.

Finally, the Government must engage these communities in dialogue and provide enough security in the volatile areas.

Another area the Government must look into is why ex-servicemen are susceptible to proposals of wrong doing and monetary inducement from criminal elements.

Could it be that they feel neglected by the Government in retirement as they were in service?

Security remains the Achille's heel of the State as evidenced by happenings in Mombasa, which has become a killing zone, with at least one reported murder every day according to police reports.

In truth, there is very little that can be done in this climate of insecurity. There is urgent need to remedy the situation sooner rather than later.