Over 120 officers sent to provide security

By Michael Wesonga

Turkana County: Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku has deployed over 120 officers drawn from the General Service Unit and the Rapid Deployment Unit to Lokichar.

This is after 160 Kenya Police Reservists (KPRs) were absorbed to provide security at Tullow’s rigs.

KPRs are key in providing security to vehicles on transit that are susceptible to bandit attacks that are rampant.

At the same time, Turkana South MP James Lomenen has called for an overhaul of the entire security personnel in the region for allegedly losing connection with the locals.

He claims some security officers have been there for too long and should be replaced.

Mr Lomenen said the Turkana are sensitive but warm people that co-exist with other communities peacefully. “They have not only started businesses in the area but have also become reluctant and insensitive to the culture; occasionally exaggerating our intentions,” said the MP.

This follows reports by the police that the community engaged in xenophobic attacks following their tussle with Tullow Oil plc leading to subsequent closure of operations.

Lomenen maintained that the Turkana were pastoralists that carried guns for defence against livestock raids and not for assault purposes.

“All the community needs is trust that can be assured if the Government protects their lives, rights and property because they hold guns as a means of defence when their lives are threatened,” he said.

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