The government will construct and operationalize eight police stations along the border of Kitui, Tana River and Garissa counties, aimed at bolstering peace in the region. Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe while speaking during signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the county government and the National Police Service at the county office, said the move seeks to realize long lasting peace and protection of the people, citing the recurring attacks that have led to fatalities, along the unsecured porous border. Malombe explained that signing of the MOU will guide the construction of the first five police stations in Endau, Malalani, Mutha, Nguni and Ngomeni wards. The governor also commended the mutual cooperation between the County and the National Police Service. At the same time, he hailed the county assembly of Kitui for appropriating funds for the construction of the five police stations, which President Dr. William Ruto promised to operationalize once completed, during his recent visit to Kitui. ‘The safety of our people has always been my top priority and this partnership will help the county strengthen its security delivery mechanisms within locations, wards, sub-counties and county borders,’ he noted. The governor noted that most of the conflicts witnessed in the area revolve around water and pasture, immigrant communities grazing in protected areas, charcoal production, artisanal and small scale mining, theft of livestock and poaching. Consequently, it has been noted that insecurity derails development agenda at both levels of government, hence the need for urgent intervention. The Chairperson Ad Hoc committee spearheading the initiative Dominic Mwamisi urged both the National and county governments to hasten the process of construction of the police stations so as to contain insecurity menace in the affected areas. The perennial insecurity along the porous border of Kitui, Tana River and Garissa counties is further aggravated by the Kitui National Game Reserve that has for long been used as a gateway to the host county by camel herders from the neighbouring counties. The invading camel herders have over the years brought untold miseries to the local population resulting in deaths and destruction of crops. Others who witnessed signing of the MOU included the County Deputy Governor Wambua Kanani, County Commissioner Erastus Mbui, Members of the County Security and Intelligence Committee, MCAs, CECMS and County Chief Officers.
Source: Kenya News Agency