The government has assured Isiolo County residents of adequate security as they go about their daily businesses following last weekend attacks on herders in Burat Ward.
According to Isiolo County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding calm has been restored and residents are now free to carry out their normal routine.
He said security has been beefed up in the Burat area through escalated police patrols, where armored vehicles are being used in tracking down the rustlers who raided the area leading to the death of nine herdsmen three days ago.
The County commissioner added that the government has reinforced security forces so as to support the operation to remove armed bandits who could be hiding in the grazing areas.
At the same time, Omoding said that security officers who failed to act on security intelligence information provided by the area people will be dealt with accordingly for failing to adhere to their call of duty.
The county commissioner said 90 per cent of all stolen animals have been recovered and handed over to the rightful owners, while the remaining livestock will be tracked down alongside the suspected rustlers.
He directed chiefs and their assistants to be on the lookout and have intelligence information on any unsanctioned movement of herders from the neighbouring counties and tip the police for swift action to be taken.
Omoding also appealed to area leaders to prevail upon their people not to take law in their hands or carry out retaliatory attacks as the security officers and elders are working closely to ensure resumption of total peace.
He said that the government would not spare chiefs who hid criminals in their location and only run to the higher office when incidents happen.
Omoding further urged the chiefs and their assistants to spearhead removal of herders from other counties from Isiolo saying they are better placed to identify the strangers in the area.
The County commissioner made the remarks after chairing a meeting with the county security team and elders from Turkana, Somali and Samburu communities.
He also warned those implicated in the recent clashes that claimed nine lives will face dire consequences saying even the politicians who might have been involved in planning for attacks or inciting the local residents into violence will also face full force of the law.
Omoding added that the second phase of operation to flush out armed herders from Isiolo has already started and there would be no turning back.
By Abduba Mamo
