Kindiki seeks community support to end N. Kenya terrorism

Community and religious leaders, as well as inhabitants in the North Eastern region, have been urged to work with security agencies in the battle against terrorism by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
Speaking to the public on Tuesday while touring the counties of Wajir and Mandera, Kindiki pleaded for tips on local criminal groups so that proper action could be taken.
Kindiki stressed the value of forging a unified front in the fight against the threat, which he claims jeopardizes the stability of the nation.
“In the fight against Al-Shabaab and other deadly extremists, residents are essential allies. You may assist our security forces in dealing with criminals who continue to endanger our national security and disrupt communities in North Eastern Kenya by providing information,”  stated Kindiki.
This call comes in response to an increase in attacks by Al-Shabaab, a jihadist organization with ties to Al-Qaeda that operates out of Somalia, in the country’s north and coastal regions, with Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and Lamu counties bearing the brunt of the attacks because of their proximity to the Somalia border.
Al-Shabaab strikes over the past month have resulted in at least 30 fatalities and several injuries, with security officers making up the majority of the victims.
Though several security personnel and locals have been hurt in recent terror assaults in the area, according to Kindiki, many of the attacks have been prevented thanks to intelligence-driven security operations.
Kindiki announced that in the upcoming fiscal year, the government will spend up to Ksh20 billion to equip security personnel with cutting-edge equipment in order to effectively combat the rise of terrorism, banditry, and other cross-border crimes.
To safeguard the security professionals’ safety while carrying out their duties, the equipment will include armored personnel carriers, helicopters, cars that can detect IEDs that have been planted, drones, and night vision kits.
“The threat of terrorism will be permanently defeated,” Kindiki declared. “With the modernization of security equipment, political goodwill from the President, the commitment of our security officers, and partnership with religious and community leaders and residents.”
Kindiki met and held a consultative engagement with the Security and Intelligence Committee, National Government Administration Officers, Community and religious leaders during his trip of the two counties.
Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing everyone’s safety and wellbeing by combating violent extremism.
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