Isiolo: The national security operation ‘Ondoa Jangili’ will continue in an effort to restore order in the already identified security hotspots across the country, says Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
According to Kenya News Agency, Murkomen expressed concerns over the emergence of banditry, drug, and human trafficking, with Isiolo County categorized as one of the hotspots. During an inspection tour of Isiolo County, the CS revealed that a multi-agency team has strengthened crackdowns aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating in the region through the ‘Ondoa Jangili’ strategy.
He reported that an operation in the area had recovered 46 rifles and bhang worth Sh10 million at street value, adding that the campaign to eradicate these vices would be escalated. The CS emphasized that security agencies were on high alert and warned that officers colluding with criminals would face strict legal consequences.
Murkomen disclosed that four suspects armed with rifles were recently arrested, and the firearms were recovered. Additionally, nine individuals were arrested while escorting smuggled bhang and humans from a neighboring country. The CS highlighted the impact of hard drugs smuggled from the neighboring country on young people in Isiolo, ranking the area third after Mombasa and Nairobi.
He directed that chiefs and their assistants should prioritize government directives over political influences and provide intelligence reports to enable timely government responses. Furthermore, chiefs threatened by insecurity were encouraged to apply for firearms, and County Commissioners were instructed to identify deserving chiefs.
The CS was accompanied by Eastern Regional Commissioner Mr. Paul Rotich, along with senior National Government Administrative Officers and senior security officers from the region.
