Lamu Leaders urged to unite against terrorism

Garissa,

Sunday October 29, 2023

KNA by Erick Kyalo

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called on the local leadership in Lamu to unite in the fight against terrorism like their counterparts in Northern region.

Lamu has witnessed a spate of terror attacks over the years, leaving hundreds of security officers and civilians dead.

Both Duale and his Interior CS counterpart Prof. Kithure Kindiki have on several occasions visited Lamu County to address the Insecurity concerns.

Speaking in Garissa during a fund drive for Madarasa schools in Fafi constituency where a total of Sh27 .8 million was raised, the CS who was the chief guest said that the war against terrorism can only be fought and won when leaders are united and speaking with one voice.

There have been accusations and counter accusations from leaders in the areas over the insecurity bedeviling the area something that has not saved the situation.

“We are asking Lamu leadership from the governor to MCAs to unite for the fight against terrorism like those from North-eastern. They should work closely with the security apparatus because that is the only way that we will defeat the enemy and completely rid him out from our midst,” said Duale.

Duale warned that the government will not hesitate to take action against leaders who make irresponsible remarks saying that everyone has a responsibility for the country’s security. 

“Leaders should be careful on what they say in public, if your public statements will aid the terror groups then be rest assured that as a government we will firmly deal with that leader,” he said.

Duale said President William Ruto led administration is determined in developing the region including having tarmac roads as well as improving electricity in Mandera and Wajir, things he said will only be achieved with a stable security.

He warned the al-Shabaab militants in Kenyan soil that the government will firmly deal with them saying that conversations were being closely monitored.

In early 2018, the state set up extra security camps in marked areas believed to be al Shabaab hotspots along the Lamu-Witu-Garsen road, including Milihoi, Lango la Simba and Gamba.

On his part Mandera East MP Hussein Weytan said leaders from the region have in one accord agreed to unite in the fight against al shabaab.

“As a region there are a lot of development projects that this government has lined up for our region, but for this to be achieved we must first unite and fight our common enemy that is al shabaab militants who are hell bent on ensuring that we do not progress,” he said.

Wajir West MP Yussuf Fara said insecurity in the county and the region at large can only be addressed through collaboration between wananchi and the security apparatus.

"We appreciate the recognition of the unique security concerns faced by our counties, given our proximity to the border and the challenges associated with cross-border activities. However, we know that the government is up to the task in handling these challenges provided we all cooperate,” he said.

Others who accompanied Duale were Abdi Dubat (PS EAC) MPs Salah Yakub(Fafi), Dido Raso (Saku), Abdikadir Hussein (lagdera), Yussuf Farah (Wajir west) Bashir Abdullahi (Mandera North), and Mohamed Adow (Wajir South)

Courtesy; KNA