NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 15 — The government has reaffirmed its resolve to combat violent extremism in the wake of increased terrorism threats in the Northern and Coastal region.
Speaking Thursday during a security meeting in Lamu’s Witu area, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki stated that the government will strengthen the capacity of security agencies in their fight against terrorism by providing adequate resources and modern equipment to support their mission.
The Interior CS highlighted that the government had allocated a paltry Sh20 billion to modernize the country’s security apparatus.
“We are determined to eliminate the threat of terrorism by supplying our security officers with modern equipment to deal with emerging and modern-day crimes,” Kindiki said.
The funds will be utilized to acquire specialized vehicles such as Armored Personnel Carriers, drones, and equipment, which will he says will play critical role in reducing fatalities of security agents battling criminals.
Kindiki revealed that the Government had procured new modified aircraft to aid in counter surveillance operations and fight against terror.
He assured Kenyans that the government is working round the clock to secure the country from criminal elements.
“We will act decisively to do away with all these criminals who are keen to destabilize the country,” Kindiki stated.
Locally-led efforts
The Interior CS urged communities to partner with the security agencies by sharing information and intelligences that will be critical in that be acted on to make this county and our country safe and secure.
Kindiki’s remarks come two days after at least eight police officers were killed Tuesday in Bodhei at the border of Lamu and Garissa counties when the vehicle they were travelling in ran over an Improvised Explosive Device.
The officers drawn from the special forces unit were on routine patrol before the incident, the latest in a series of attacks in the North targeting security personnel.
Authorities said the officers died on the spot following the IED attack that has been blamed on the Somalia-based Al-Qaeda linked jihadist group Al-Shabaab.
The bodies were recovered but the identities of the victims were yet been established because of the level of explosion that reportedly dismembered their bodies.
The vehicle was also destroyed beyond recognition with the number of officers on board yet to be disclosed.
The scene was processed by security personnel who responded to the scene.
In another separate attack reported near Mararani suspected, Al Shabaab militants attacked security officers using a rocket propelled grenade, RPG.
Earlier, three people were injured when suspected Al-Shabaab militants waylaid a Mandera-bound bus in Wajir before spraying it with bullets.
In recent weeks, there has been a surge in Al-Shabaab attacks in the North Eastern and Coastal regions which has resulted to deaths and injuries.
However, the bus driver defied the orders to stop and drove away from the scene saving the passengers.
On June 7, at least seven police officers sustained injuries when the vehicle they were traveling in ran over an IED in Mandera South.
