Government Gives Strong Warning to Criminal Gangs as Heightened Security Operations Unfold
He emphasized that peace remains paramount and assured residents that the government would take any requisite action to maintain peace.
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Kenya Police Service Eliud Lang’at warned that the government will not relent on maintaining security in the country. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The government issued a stern warning to criminal gangs operating within the country and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring and maintaining security through decisive action by the instilled action of security agencies. Authorities committed themselves to crack down on all groups undermining the peace, stressing that lawlessness will not be entertained.
According to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lang’at, the government remains adamant stable lives and property of the citizens. Security agencies would be relentless in neutralizing the criminal networks disrupting the equilibrium in various regions.
DIG Lang’at made these comments at a press briefing that took place at Madogo Police Station in Bangali Sub-county, Tana River County, following the pass-out parade for 482 National Police Reservists (NPRs) who had been recruited from Lamu and Tana River counties. The newly trained reservists are expected to boost security in areas facing persistent insecurity.
Boosting of Community Policing and Regional Security
While touring the Northeastern region, the DIG accessed the disarmament exercise of illegal firearms in Tana River County. This exercise comes against the backdrop of recent deadly inter-clan clashes that have raised fears on the proliferation of illicit weapons in the area.
Lang’at stated that the deployment of extra NPR officers would be critical to the stabilization of the security situation. He urged the reservists to carry out their duties with integrity, professionalism, and a strong sense of responsibility to the communities they serve.
The DIG placed emphasis on community policing, citing the government is keen on enlisting the local communities towards maintaining peace and security. He termed the graduation of the reservists as a major milestone, adding that they would partner with existing security structures in dealing with challenges including banditry, terrorism, and livestock theft.
NPRs Seen as First Line of Defence
Lang’at stated that the National Police Reservists form a crucial first line of response during security incidents, particularly in remote and high-risk areas. They are extremely important in intelligence gathering and community engagement, with their close ties with local residents putting them in a unique position to detect and put a halt to crime.
He expressed confidence that the deployment of additional NPR officers would enhance response times and coordination with regular police units, thereby creating a safer environment for the local civilian inhabitants.
Ultimatum on Illegal Firearms
Simultaneously, the DIG issued a strong warning to communities still maintaining illegal firearms. He indicated that the government would go for a swift disarmament exercise if the residents fail to voluntarily surrender the weapons within the ongoing 60-day amnesty period ending on February 22.
From Bangali Sub-county alone, nine firearms have been voluntarily handed over to the authorities. Lang’at attributed this success to enhanced collaboration between the police and the local communities, alongside the ultimatum placed on the bandits by the regional security committee.
He added that the voluntary surrender of weapons is a clear sign that the residents desire peace and stability, adding that the government will continue to strengthen its engagement with communities while remaining firm against the recalcitrance of those who choose to disobey the law.
Crackdown on Gangs and Terror Networks
Reiterating the position of the government, Lang’at warned criminal gangs, which included terror-linked organizations, that it would deal decisively with them. He emphasized that peace remains paramount and assured residents that the government would take any requisite action to maintain peace.
The DIG was accompanied by senior security officials, including Northeastern Regional Police Commander Papita Ranka, Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno, and NPR Director Kenneth Kimani, among other senior police officers.
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