Senators come face-to-face with Turkana security threats
The head of security in Turkana county yesterday laid bare factors frustrating law enforcement efforts in the county.
Border Police Unit Commandant Gitiba Mwita cited poor or lack of roads along international boundaries as the leading hindrance to efforts to provide security.
Mwita also warned that the existence of some ungoverned spaces and occupation by Kenyans, lack of demarcations and delimitation of boundaries and poor or lack of communication network in the area were hindering proper communication.
During a meeting with the Senate National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations chaired by Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, Mwita charged that rampant cattle rustling between Turkana and neighbouring communities is a huge challenge the local security team is grappling with.
“We still have lack of motorable infrastructure and slow diplomatic engagement on the relocation of Nadapal to Nakodok which is the designated crossing border point,” Mwita told the committee.
Speaking at the County Assembly, the commandant appealed to the Senate to initiate ways that will help strengthen the Unit enabling it to deliver on its mandate.
In his appeal, Mwita said hastening of the diplomatic engagement between Kenya and South Sudan, encouragement of Kenyans to occupy areas along Kenya-Sudan border will bring peace among the locals and the neighbours. “We believe that acquisition of modern equipment will enable the security personnel to effectively deal with insecurity. In our analysis we propose that if some units can be formed to operate and sensitise local communities, it will go a long way in providing security,” said Mwita.
Communication mastsn
According to Mwita, the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) should erect communication masts along along the Kenya-South Sudan border in addition to construction of security roads by both the National and county governments.
In their response, the lawmakers assured the Commandant that the Committee and Senate will help by putting in place measures to strengthen and empower the Unit to serve Kenyans effectively.
“The committee and Senate will ensure your team is supported to provide security along the border. Every life is precious and no life should be lost because we have failed to provide adequate equipment,” Cheptumo said.
Assembly Security Committee Chairperson Samuel Aliwo appealed to the Senate to ensure the National Police Service (NPS) initiates policies that will ensure the whole country is secure for Kenyans to carry on with their daily activities without fear.
The Ward Rep told the committee that security along the Kenyan-South Sudan and Turkana and West Pokot borders has left a trail of deaths and destruction of property, adding that it is high time such atrocity is put to an end.
“We have had several lives lost and animals stolen in both the borders. We appeal to the Senate to help us have policies that will address our plight once and for all,” said Aliwo.
Other Senators in attendance were Joseph Githuku (Lamu), Lenku Seki (Kajiado), Karen Nyamu (Nominated) and George Mbugua (Nominated).
