President William Ruto's administration has abruptly reversed course to reopen the Kenya-Somalia border as Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Professor Kithure Kindiki discusses the situation.
President William Ruto's administration has reportedly been compelled to postpone reopening the border crossings in order to stop the wave of terror attacks and cross-border crime.
Ruto's administration had considered measures to reopen the border with Somalia to boost trade and allow for free movement between the two nations.
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However, a recent uptick in terrorist assaults against security personnel and even civilians has escalated in the country's North Eastern regions, with several security personnel losing their lives in ambushes has resulted in a delay.
In Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa Counties for a series of engagements with Counties Security and Intelligence Committees, leaders and residents.
— Kithure Kindiki (@KindikiKithure) July 4, 2023
The Government shall defeat Al-shabaab and all violent extremists who continue to threaten our national security and destabilise… pic.twitter.com/8rKRY9yO5P
Five persons were recently beheaded in Lamu County by suspected Al Shabaab terrorists, which sparked fear.
Terrorists from Al Shabaab are reportedly escaping Somalia following an effort to drive them out of their hiding places. Heavy security is present in the North East region as Kindiki sends a strong message to terrorists.
Interior CS, Professor Kithure Kindiki spoke with members of the counties' security and intelligence committees, local officials, and citizens in Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa counties. According to reports, the government will eradicate Al-Shabaab and other violent extremists who continue to jeopardize national security and cause community unrest in North Eastern Kenya.
In addition, it will offer round-the-clock protection to protect contractors and engineers working on important infrastructure projects in North Eastern Kenya from criminals and extremists out to thwart their efforts.
The North Eastern Region would be made more accessible for development and economic progress by completing important routes including Garissa-Wajir-Mandera and Lamu-Mandera roads. The government has expanded its partnerships with local communities to drive out violent radicals and criminal groups.
Plans to purchase cutting-edge equipment, including helicopters, drones, MRAPs, and APCs, are well along in the procurement process to assure the security officials' safety. The government will spend 20 billion on modernizing the security apparatus and improving the welfare of security personnel. They visited security camps in the counties of Wajir and Mandera to encourage front-line security guards and to express gratitude for their commitment, diligence, and patriotism.
Political, religious, and local leaders who encourage the public to commit violent crimes and destroy property to resolve long-standing problems will be dealt with strongly and decisively in accordance with the law.
The government will spend Ksh. 20 billion to provide security personnel with cutting-edge gear in order to confront the menace of terrorism and violent extremism. The public has a patriotic duty to offer information that will prevent attacks and identify those responsible for such criminal activity.
