In a statement released by Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang’i, on Wednesday, March 23, the government announced that the curfew followed increased cases of insecurity.
“Incidences of criminal attacks fuelled by conflicts over land and other resources have been reported in parts of Garissa Central Division, in Garissa Sub County of Garissa County. This has triggered retaliatory attacks and the loss of life, destruction of property and created tensions in the affected areas,” read the CS’s statement in part.
The government noted that it had deployed more security officers to the area to address the rising insecurity, with 23 suspects having been apprehended.
“Additional security agencies have been mobilised and deployed to the area. 23 suspects are currently in police custody over the incidences and will be processed in court upon the completion of investigations,” added the statement.
The 6pm to 6am curfew takes effect immediately and will affect Bulla Othan, Bulla Mzuri, Bulla Tawakal, and Bulla Rakhama areas.
The government further suspended all land surveys, adjudications, issuance of title deeds and transactions in the disturbed area until further notice, in addition to ordering for recruitment of more administrative officers.
“Further, it has been ordered that there be an immediate recruitment and deployment of chiefs to Tawakal and Bulla Mzuri locations within the disturbed area,” ordered Matiang’i.
Locals have been requested to cooperate with security agencies during the period and share information on suspicious persons or activities.
Matiang’i also requested elected leaders from the region to convene an urgent meeting to deliberate on peace restoration and lasting inter-clan coexistence.
This is the second time that the government has been forced to step in to contain the situation in conflict-torn areas.
On January 5, Matiang’i announced a dusk to dawn cessation of movement in parts of Lamu County following a surge in cases of insecurity with a number of lives lost.
Source: KENYAGIST.COM
