An armed herder takes care of his cattle in Marsabit. Herders have been forced to protect themselves from the frequent bandit attacks in the area | PHOTO-Courtesy
By Gerald Kibaki
As a measure to aid the fight against frequent banditry attacks in Marsabit County, police officers, and area residents want the government to provide officers with equipment, drones, and satellite communication gadgets.
During the public views hearing of the reforms on National police service and Kenya Prisons by the former chief Justice, David Maraga’s led team, the government has been compelled to improve their welfare, work stations, where they live, give allowances, fair salary dues, hardships allowances, insurance cover, retirement benefits and whatever affects their morality on duties.
Commissioner Doreen Muthaura, the Maraga Taskforce member said Marsabit being a hardship area, its terrain, vastness of the county, and nature of crimes ranging from cattle rustling, drug and human trafficking, rights defenders, officers, and residents demanded modernized equipment, motor vehicle fuel, satellite communication gadgets, and drones.
“In this County, we got very strong feelings from locals to get back Police Reservists to curb crime. We are optimistic the President will tackle their challenges. Most prison facilities were built during the Harry Thuku regime and colonialism and need an immediate change in reconstruction. Some are Uni-huts, iron sheet houses despite the scorching sun. They were very open to highlighting their plight,” Muthaura told journalists.
David Saruni, the interim CC assured the residents that the government is putting in place measures to curb cattle rustling.
Saruni said KDF will not be deployed in Marsabit because police officers in the area are capable to fight off banditry to an end.
“We had successful Operation Linda Amani which brought peace to Marsabit. On NPR officers, recruitment has processes and we are on public participation in every sub-county and they will be trained and deployed,” he said.
Marsabit deputy governor Solomon Gubo said junior officers are frustrated and demotivated and anticipated these reforms to bring a total change.
“Their houses are in a pathetic state. They live like inmates. Why does government neglect the county in restoring peace? It had reached a time, everyone felt insecure and many bought own illegal guns to protect selves and their property.
“We have been crying of insecurity while little or no action could be taken. The government is supposed to always be on the ground because all security apparatus belongs to them. I was shocked and afraid days ago when we were attacked by bandits during daylight despite accompanying CS Wahome in this County. I don’t think I will ever return to that place,” Gubo said.
Fatuma Godana, a resident said Police are very slow in responding to restless calls during banditry attacks but with NPR, the response is immediate as they are well-versed with terrain making it easier and more effective in recovering stolen cattle.
“Most families have now bought illegal guns. A police officer was recently killed in Samburu but nothing serious was done. When you report a rustling incident, officers take hours which angers Morrans who take the law into their arms. NPR has an ownership attitude and follows the recovery of animals instantly,” Fatuma said.
Human rights Representative Muhammed Hassan said they recommended several items be featured in the reforms, especially capacity and trust building between police and locals.
He also said the witness protection act and confidentiality must be treated as such not forcing.
He suggested that officers must follow the law not only internally and a crime control technology is set up to improve service delivery.
The task force was appointed by President William last year, to collect views majoring on the welfare of police officers to now fast hand challenges both physically and mentally.
The task force will deliver a comprehensive report of challenges and implementation recommendations on the above
