Nairobi: A multi-agency security operation in Isiolo County has made significant progress in cracking down on criminal activities in the region following the government’s commencement of thorough surveillance five days ago.
According to Kenya News Agency, Isiolo County Commissioner David Kiprop stated that the operation, involving various security agencies, has successfully recovered illegal firearms, ammunition, drugs, and stolen livestock in a heightened effort to restore security across the county. ‘It is high time we have everyone on board, including all leaders and wananchi, to ensure lasting peace and stability in our communities,’ Mr Kiprop urged.
The latest security report reveals that the team recovered seven firearms, including an M16 rifle, AK-47s, and a G3 rifle, alongside 105 rounds of ammunition and several magazines. Kiprop mentioned that in the ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking, the team seized five grams of hard drugs at Kambi Juu and uprooted a bhang plantation at Kambi Garba.
Police indicated that the substances seized are believed to be part of a network fueling youth addiction and criminal activities in the area. Additionally, the County Commissioner noted that security officials recovered 107 shoats (goats and sheep) believed to have been stolen during previous raids along areas bordering Isiolo and neighboring counties.
In this regard, four suspects have been arrested for being in possession of illegal firearms, while three others are in custody in connection with drug offenses. Isiolo County Police Commander Isaac Sang praised the cooperation of residents who provided crucial intelligence leading to the success of the operation. ‘I wish to thank all those who came forward with intelligence information. Community partnership is key to winning the war against crime,’ he said.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring lasting peace and normalcy return to Isiolo, emphasizing that coordinated efforts between security agencies, community leaders, and the public remain essential in achieving this goal. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen last Wednesday announced the operation in Isiolo to ensure incidents of cattle rustling, withholding of illegal guns, and drug-related offenses are stopped forthwith. The operation will continue with security agencies expected to restore security normalcy in the area, as the CS announced the exercise would remain until the government achieved the goal.
