Terrorist cell capability diminished in Siaya, county security team says

Siaya,

Friday, December 1, 2023

KNA by Philip Onyango

Siaya county security team has diminished the capability of a terrorist cell that has been engaging in radicalization in parts of the Alego / Usonga constituency, Siaya County commissioner, Julius Otieno has said.

Otieno said that the security apparatus was on top of things and would be on the ground for as long as it took to ensure that the public was safe.

He was addressing the press outside his offices in Siaya town today after the security team held a meeting with Alego / Usonga Member of Parliament, Samuel Atandi.

The County Commissioner said that his team has come up with strategies to counter the emerging challenges and assured the residents that security will be enhanced to enable them to enjoy the festive season without challenges. 

Siaya County Police Commander, Kleti Kimaiyo said a lot was being done by the security agencies to tackle insecurity in the area.

“I am assuring that we are going to dismantle radicalization cells, especially in Hawinga, Nyadorera, Uranga, and other areas,” said the police boss.

Atandi hailed the government for overhauling the top security commanders in the area, adding that the new team had taken over with gusto. 

“We have a new, capable team and I am urging our people to give it support,” said the legislator.  

He urged the public to support efforts by the government to tackle the emerging terror cells in the area. 

 “I want to assure Alego / Usonga residents that the Anti-Terrorism Unit is doing a very good job and we thank the community for helping with information,” said the MP.

The MP however warned the public against falling into a trap of turning the war against terrorism into a religious war. 

He said that there have been talks of a retaliatory attack against some religious establishments in the lower parts of the constituency. 

 “We must exercise religious tolerance. Terrorism has nothing to do with Buddhism, Islam, or any religion,” he said.

Last week, police gunned down two suspected members of a terror cell at their hideout in Hawinga in West Alego and recovered two guns that had earlier been snatched from policemen escorting Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations.

According to the police, eight suspects have so far been arrested and are helping with investigations after the police obtained court orders to detain them for interrogation.

Courtesy; KNA