Turkana, Samburu elders pledge to support security operation

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki. [Phares Mutembei, Standard]

Elders from Isiolo and Samburu counties have resolved to cooperate with officers carrying out security operations in the region in a bid to protect villagers.

The security operation was announced last week by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki following a meeting with county security teams from both counties at Kalama where the government decided to forcefully recover stolen animals from the neighbouring Meru county.

Speaking during a meeting at Samburu complex, Ngaremara ward MCA Peter Losu said that the leaders are aware of the enormity of the impending security operation and will not remain quiet as innocent people are harassed because of a few known criminals.

"We have resolved to work closely with the security teams and lead them to where the criminals hide so that the operation becomes successful without punishing others,"he said.

Waso Ward (Samburu County) MCA Kelvin Lemantaan admitted that criminals hide behind their respective ethnic communities and it was time to expose them to suffer consequences of their actions.

Lemantaan noted that apart from cattle rustling, cases of highway banditry were also rampant in the region and locals are ready to work with the security teams to bring the criminals to book.

Elders lauded local elected leaders for convening the meeting that was used to strategize how to ensure success of the imminent security operation in the area.

Pastor Samuel Lokoro, the coordinator of the Turkana Council of Elders said that the security operation was long overdue, and warned parents and the community against protecting kin who could be adversely mentioned as criminals.

"The criminals work in cahoots with accomplices in Meru, Isiolo and Samburu counties, hence there was a need for proper coordination in identifying all of them to effectively address cattle rustling that has led to the loss of lives," Lokoro said.