Marsabit, Kenya| The government has intensified efforts to enhance security in Marsabit County, following a recent spate of violence, including the brutal murder of a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) operator.
Authorities have vowed to bring perpetrators to justice while urging residents to support community policing initiatives.
Enhanced Security Measures
Marsabit County Commissioner James Kamau announced a series of reinforced security measures to protect residents and their property.
The move comes in response to increasing insecurity, including the recent killing of a local boda boda rider, which has heightened tensions in the region.
Kamau reassured residents that the government remains committed to safeguarding lives and livelihoods, stating that security patrols had been intensified across the county.
Additionally, law enforcement agencies have launched a manhunt for the criminals responsible for the latest attack.
“We will not relent until the perpetrators are apprehended and justice is served,” Kamau affirmed during a media briefing.
Murder of Boda Boda Rider Sparks Outrage
The latest incident involved the killing of 32-year-old Abraham Belacho, a boda boda operator, on Monday night within Marsabit town.
Reports indicate that Belacho was attacked by unknown assailants who had posed as customers.
The attackers stabbed him multiple times in the chest and back before slitting his throat and making off with his motorcycle.
The gruesome murder triggered an uproar among Marsabit town residents, with fellow boda boda operators leading protests to demand swift action from the authorities.
The demonstrators urged security agencies to fast-track investigations and ensure justice for the victim and his family.
In response, Kamau called for calm, assuring residents that the situation was under control and that security forces were working tirelessly to track down those responsible.
Crackdown on Crime and Community Policing Initiatives
The county commissioner emphasized the importance of community policing in preventing crime and detecting potential threats early.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
“We encourage community participation in security matters, and that’s why we urge residents to embrace the Nyumba Kumi initiative to ensure criminals have no hiding place,” he stated.
Nyumba Kumi, a grassroots security strategy, encourages neighborhoods to work closely with law enforcement in identifying potential security threats.
Chiefs and other local administrators have been tasked with strengthening this initiative to bolster security across Marsabit County.
Caution Against Political Incitement
Commissioner Kamau also issued a stern warning to local politicians, cautioning them against exploiting criminal incidents to incite ethnic divisions.
He stressed that crime is perpetrated by individuals, not entire communities, and that blaming entire ethnic groups only serves to fuel tension and unnecessary conflicts.
“We have witnessed clashes before, and we will not allow crime incidents to be used to divide communities,” Kamau stated.
The warning comes amid concerns that past security challenges in Marsabit have been exacerbated by political incitement, leading to ethnic clashes.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and holding those who engage in inflammatory rhetoric accountable.
Stakeholder Engagement in Transport Sector
In an effort to enhance security for boda boda operators, authorities plan to hold discussions with stakeholders in the transport sector.
The meeting will focus on addressing security concerns and establishing measures to protect riders from criminal attacks.
Kamau disclosed that security officials were exploring ways to profile crime suspects operating within Marsabit County to ensure appropriate legal action is taken against them.
Call for Public Cooperation
As investigations into Belacho’s murder continue, the county commissioner called on residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing any information that could aid in apprehending the suspects.
“We urge the public to share any useful information with security agencies. Your cooperation is crucial in making Marsabit safer for everyone,” Kamau urged.
With security patrols intensified, community policing reinforced, and authorities actively engaging with residents, the government hopes to restore peace and curb criminal activities in Marsabit.
Residents, in turn, are encouraged to play their part by supporting law enforcement efforts and fostering unity in the face of security challenges.
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