Interior and National Government Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof. Kithure Kindiki has ordered for the transfer of all police officers serving at Isebania border post in a bold move to mitigate rising insecurity within and around the border.
The decision comes in the wake of heightened armed attacks and public violence that has so far left six people dead and property destroyed.
Addressing a high-flying closed door security meeting followed by a public meeting at the border town this morning, Kindiki regretted the act of ineptness by the security officers in the recent past.
He emphasised that police officers deployed to protect wananchi and their property had neglected their duties leading to security gaps that the locals blamed on the officers.
Last week, armed thugs raided the town in broad daylight killing one businessman, sparking a public violence that left five locals dead after being shot by police officers.
The local community had tried to storm the local police station, while protesting the death of the businessman prompting the police to shoot at the huge crowd killing the five victims.
Addressing the public, Kindiki who was flanked by the area county commissioner (CC) David Gitonga and police commander Mark Wanjala said that a new team of police officers had already been posted in the region to help restore peace and order within the region.
At the same time, Kindiki announced that all non-security personnel serving the government in various department would be replaced with other officers.
These include officers working at the customs, KEBS, immigration and anti-counterfeit departments who have been identified to have overstayed in their stations.
“The government agenda going forward will be to summarily dismiss of non-performing police and non-police officers without transferring their problems elsewhere,” he remarked.
Kindiki said the state will not shy away from fighting the ongoing illicit trade, singling the illegal business of smuggling drugs, counterfeit goods and illicit ethanol from the neighbouring Tanzania.
The CS however urged the local community to stop fueling violence against security officers posted in the area, warning that the culprits would be punished severely if arrested.
By Polycarp Ochineg and George Agimba
