Security arrangement in Turkana East Sub County reorganized says County Commissioner

Turkana,

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

KNA by Peter Gitonga

Turkana County Commissioner Jacob Ouma has announced that the entire security arrangement in Turkana East Sub County has been reorganized as part of the government's measures to address insecurity in the area. 

Speaking during the Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Moi Gardens in Lodwar, the County Commissioner said the security officers would be deployed along the corridors that are used by bandits during raids.

"We discovered that some people put their selfish interests first instead of deploying the National Police Reservists (NPRs) along the corridors used by bandits," said Ouma.

He added that GSU are now patrolling the Turkana East and South belts in areas like Nakwamoru and Lorogon to prevent banditry. 

The County Commissioner was responding to concerns from elected leaders among them area Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai and County Woman MP Cecilia Ng'itit.

Ngitit decried insecurity in Turkana East saying it had hindered free movement of people and goods.

"It is unacceptable that we are celebrating Jamhuri Day when some Kenyans are living in fear due to insecurity," she said.

While lauding the ongoing security operation in the area, the County Woman MP called for deployment of additional National Police Reservists to complement the other security agencies.

The County Commissioner said an additional 140 NPRs had been deployed to beef up security across the County. 

 "Last Friday we witnessed the passing out of an additional 140 NPRs who have been deployed across the County. 20 have been deployed to Loima, 20 Turkana West, 20 Lokichoggio, 20 Turkana North and 20 in Turkana Central Sub Counties,” he said.

He added that Turkana East Sub County had been mapped out and an additional 191 NPRs would be deployed soon to arrest insecurity.

Meanwhile, Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of a 15-member gang that has been roaming armed with guns and intimidating locals in Turkana South Sub County.

He alleged that the gang was behind the recent attack of a peaceful delegation at Namakate, which resulted in killing of five persons.

He alleged that the gang has been organizing night meetings with the blessing of an area leader vowing to disrupt public government meetings in the Constituency.

"The County Police Commander must rein in this gang, nobody is above the law," he said.

He also called for peaceful coexistence between the members of the Turkana and Pokot communities living in the County. 

"Members of the Pokot community who live in Turkana County are Kenyans like any other. Those who cause insecurity are being dealt with by the KDF,” he said.

The Governor added that together with Loima MP Protus Akuja they had invested a lot in peace building to ensure the two communities coexist peacefully and vowed that they would not allow anyone to disrupt peace.

He said he was on a mission to build lasting peace along the Turkana South belt and would not be stopped by anyone. 

At the same time, the County boss lashed out at leaders who were driving a wedge between the residents of Turkana South and Loima Sub Counties. 

Lomorukai who hails from Loima Sub County said anyone from his backyard who was found to be involved in crime should be dealt with as an individual and urged leaders against using such instances to incite the members of the two Sub Counties against each other.

The County Commissioner also weighed in on the matter saying infighting among the Turkana County residents would hinder efforts by the security forces to recruit NPRs who were meant to protect the community against external attacks. 

The war on illicit brews and drugs also featured prominently in speeches by various speakers at the Jamhuri Day celebrations.

The County Commissioner urged the youth to enjoy their holidays in moderation and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.

He also cautioned against illicit brews and drugs.

 "The youth are our future, and we do not want to see you being misled by politicians who send you money to buy data bundles to insult elected leaders," said the County Woman MP.

There was excitement from the crowd when the County Commissioner while reading the President's speech mentioned Tobong'ulore which is the annual cultural and tourism festival held in the County to celebrate the rich culture of the Turkana community.

Tobongulore means welcome home. 

Courtesy; KNA