The acting Inspector Gnerela of police Gilbert Masenegli has called on police chiefs in North eastern to closely work with all stakeholders and ensure that human and drug trafficking is brought to an end.
“These things must come to an end at all costs. And this is to the regional security team which has to coordinate with all the other stakeholders and ensure that we completely eradicate drugs from our country and borders. And anybody who violates the rules even if its my child or brother should not be spared,” he said.
Masengeli used the opportunity to thank members of the public whom he said have continued to work closely with security apparatus in ensuring that the region not only remains safe but any illegal activity that is carried out is reported to the relevant authorities.
He spoke at the Garissa police station when he concluded his 3 days tour to the region to assess the security situation and meet with different security formations.
Smuggling of contraband goods, drugs trafficking and illegal immiration into the country are some of the challenges security officers in the region grapple with.
Garissa is now a conduit for Bhang smuggled from Ethiopia to Nairobi resulting in high consumption of the drug among the youth.
Masengeli said that allowing drugs to come in the country has far reaching effects to not the country but for generations to come warning police officers who are involved in corruption that stern action action will be taken against them if and when they are found to be involved.
In February last year, the government announced plans to reopen the Kenya Somalia border points in Mandera, Liboi and Kiunga in phases over a 90-day period, but it was shortly after put on hold following a ‘wave of attacks’ in the region.
Kenya closed all of its official border crossings with Somalia in 2012 in a bid to stop incursions by al-Shabaab insurgents operating from the Somali side but the shutdowns did not stop people from crossing the border illegally or smuggling goods.
On the issue of deterring Al shabaab terrorists from entering into the country, the police boss noted that there is need to increase security officers in the border areas, disclosing that during his tour he noted that security operations are far apart leaving some areas uncovered.
On the issue of insecurity that has rocked the town,the police boss ordered the security apparatus to sustsin their crack down operation until the town until sanituy is resored.
The last three weeks have seen the town make headlines for all the wrong reasons ranging from insecurity to enforced disappearance.
Police have arrested several gangs with knives and other crude weapons believed to be used by the criminals to threatene, attack and kill people going about their businesses.
On the issue of forced disappearances especially in the region, the IG urged the public to differentiate between the normal arrests where suspects are arrested, processed at the police stations and presented before courts of law and the abductions.
On his part the DCI boss Mohamed Amin commended security officers working in the region despite the difficult working conditions they encounter on a day-to-day basis.
He encouraged them to remain steadfast in keeping the country safe.
“I really want to join the acting IG in really commending the good work the officers are doing. We started a tour in Mandera then come to Wajir and I must admit we are really impressed by the work that is being done by all officers across the services,”.
He added: “The team work that is there is really inspiring. Mine is to urge you to continue with the same spirit and be able to forge a strong working relationship with the local community around so that we can as well bring them on board on matters policy. Let us also assists officers and other ministries and departments and agencies in the enforcement of law and order in this region,” he said.
