Kenya deploys more forces along Somalia border
By Fauxile Kibet
NAIROBI: The Kenyan government has deployed additional forces along its border with Somalia in light of possible attacks during the festive season by Al-Shabaab militants.
Garissa county commissioner Joshua Chepchieng, who spoke as the East African country marked its 55th Independence Day said affected areas will receive 30 police reservist who will be stationed within the villages.
The deployment comes after residents and leaders in Garissa asked the government to absorb retired citizens who served in the military and police to serve as reservists who will supplement the government security forces.
“With the 690 recruits, we believe that very soon Al-Shabaab will be a thing of the past,” Chepchieng’ said.
The county commissioner said that the reservists would work closely with chiefs, elders, and locals as well as the security agencies in eliminating the Al-Shabaab menace in the area.
“Al-Shabaab has forced our officers along the border to spend sleepless nights so that we can enjoy the peace we are witnessing in Garissa and several other parts of the country,” he added.
Chepchieng also urged the citizens to cooperate and volunteer relevant information to the security agencies to enable them to effectively deal with Al-Shabaab threat once and for all.
PLANNING ATTACKS
Security officers in Kenya’s Northeastern region have been put on high alert following reports that the Al-shabaab militants could be planning attacks during the upcoming Christian Christmas holiday.
“Kenyans will be traveling to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Day. Social places will also be crowded and this could be fertile ground for terror attacks,” Northeastern regional commissioner Mohamed Birik said.
The militants are known to take advantage of the rains to move far and wide on foot because bad, muddy roads curtail gthe round movement of security personnel.
Birik said foot patrols will also be enhanced and that the new Kenya Police reservists will work with Regular and Administration Police, and the military along the border with Somalia.
“I am instructing all sub county security chiefs to ensure all Public Service Vehicles and buses have security escorts. We don’t want to take chances as this has previously caused loss of life,” the commissioner said.