Garissa Deputy County Commissioner Sebastian Okiring addressing the press. With him are other stakeholders among them Garissa governor Nathif Jama. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Alarmed by a sharp rise in insecurity in Garissa town and its environs that has left residents living in fear, stakeholders convened a high-level meeting on Thursday and adopted a raft of measures aimed at restoring peace and order.
The deteriorating security situation has also disrupted economic activity, with reports of attacks, robberies or assaults recorded every day.
The meeting, which was attended by top government officials, security agencies, religious leaders, elders, youth and women representatives, came against the backdrop of an alarming surge in criminal activities over the past three months.
Cases of murder, stabbings, armed robberies and break-ins targeting homes and businesses have been reported.
The latest victim of the growing crime wave was Osman Aweis, an American citizen of Somali origin who had travelled from the United States to visit relatives in Garissa.
According to reports, Aweis was allegedly accosted by criminals who demanded his mobile phone before stabbing him in the thigh. He later succumbed to excessive bleeding after being found by the roadside.
Addressing the press after the meeting, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama said leaders could no longer afford to remain silent as insecurity worsens.
"This situation cannot continue. Garissa was known for peace and security across the country. Regrettably, today families are living in fear," Jama said.
The governor said stakeholders had reached a consensus on the urgent need for decisive interventions to end the lawlessness.
He faulted what he termed weaknesses within the national security system, arguing that many individuals involved in criminal activities are known within the community but continue to evade arrest.
"Many of those terrorising residents are not strangers. They are known to the community. The challenge is ensuring that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted. We cannot continue losing lives while criminals roam freely," he said.
Among the resolutions adopted after extensive deliberations was the need to improve coordination between communities and law enforcement agencies.
The government was asked to fast-track the gazettement and operationalisation of the already constructed police stations and police posts in Kunaso and Burburis.
The meeting also resolved that additional police officers be deployed across the four wards of Garissa Township to enhance security operations and improve public safety.
Stakeholders further proposed the establishment of a police station in every ward to improve access to policing services and strengthen security coverage across the township.
To enhance grassroots security coordination and government presence, participants recommended the creation of additional administrative units within the township.
The forum emphasised the need for a collective approach to combating insecurity, calling on leaders, religious institutions, youth groups, women representatives, community elders and security agencies to work together in addressing crime.
Participants also pointed to weakening family structures as a contributing factor to rising insecurity, urging parents and guardians to supervise and mentor their children.
The meeting also endorsed the implementation of the National Positive Parenting Programme as a strategy to strengthen family units and curb youth delinquency.
Drug and substance abuse was identified as a major driver of crime, prompting stakeholders to call for concerted efforts by all sectors of society to eradicate the vice.
Political and community leaders were urged to refrain from interfering with police investigations, including lobbying for the release of suspects or facilitating bonds for individuals accused of criminal offences.
Stakeholders resolved that boda boda riders, tuk-tuk operators and other transport service providers should desist from facilitating criminal activities and cooperate fully with security agencies.
Security agencies were also urged to intensify crackdowns on unlicensed boda boda riders, tuk-tuk operators and other transport operators.
However, the proposed crackdown on boda boda operators has already sparked resistance from the sector, with riders accusing authorities of unfairly profiling them.
Garissa Boda Boda Association chairman Robert Mwasi opposed the planned operation, saying law-abiding riders should not be punished for crimes committed by a few individuals.
"On behalf of thousands of law-abiding riders in this town, I reject the upcoming boda boda crackdown. Security matters, yes, but blanket arrests, harassment by police and impounding boda bodas cannot be the solution to insecurity in this town," Mwasi said.
He argued that boda boda operators have also become victims of the worsening insecurity and should be treated as partners rather than suspects.
"We've suffered enough. Riders have been killed and others seriously maimed by panga-wielding criminals. Why would police extend the tribulations? We are victims too," he said.
Mwasi challenged security agencies to rely on intelligence-led operations instead of broad enforcement measures targeting the entire sector.
"The authorities can use their intelligence systems to arrest the criminals without profiling everyone. They are known, their parents are known. Arrest them and stop scapegoating innocent riders," he said.
He dismissed claims that the boda boda industry is dominated by criminals, saying most riders are hardworking breadwinners supporting their families through honest work.
"The notion that the boda boda sector is dominated by thugs is neither here nor there. We are parents who are expected to go home every evening carrying a paper bag with unga. We pay school fees for our children. We are responsible family men."
Mwasi warned that a crackdown conducted without consultation could devastate the livelihoods of thousands of riders already struggling with the high cost of living.
"A crackdown without dialogue will destroy the small income we earn overnight. Considering the current economic situation, the operation will leave many riders desperate and unable to provide for their families."
"We are ready to cooperate on road safety and any other measures required to ensure everyone is safe. What we reject is a crackdown that treats all boda boda riders as the problem," he said.
Garissa governor Nathif Jama chairing the high-level security meeting./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Abdirahman Kusow, a youth leader speaking at the meeting./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
