By Salim Mutuma
Isiolo and Meru politicians have been warned against inciting communities following revelations that some of the leaders could have fueled recent conflicts that claimed five lives at Ntulili near the counties border.
The Monday night attack is suspected to have been retaliatory following last week’s killing of 10 camels at Kibiru.
Top security officials from the Ministry of Interior Wednesday held a half day closed door meeting with the Eastern region security team and those from the two counties where a raft of measures were agreed upon.
The Ministry’s Internal Security Secretary Wilson Njega said any politician found culpable of incitement will be severely dealt with and appealed to warring communities to embrace peace.
“Let them (politicians) engage in peaceful campaigns and shun inciting communities against each other,” he said.
Meru Majority leader Victor Karithi was Wednesday arrested and questioned over alleged incitement of one of the communities.
Mr Njega said vetting, recruitment and deployment of the National Police Reservists to conflict prone areas within Isiolo-Samburu and Meru borders will commence immediately for enhanced security.
While representing Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, the official ordered residents from both counties to surrender illegal firearms in their possession saying proliferation hindered government’s efforts to contain banditry.
A General Service Unit has been stationed at Ntulili area to prevent movement to either side and quell the rising tension in the area.
“We are committed to arresting those involved in both attacks for legal action,” he assured.
The official warned residents against staging retaliatory attacks but allow security organs to address the matter.
The public was asked to collaborate with the State on security matters through information sharing and timely reporting of crime incidences.
“That relationship is crucial in ensuring safety of our people and their properties,” GSU Commandant Douglas Kanja said.
Accompanying the officials to the meeting at the Isiolo County Commissioner’s office was Eastern region commissioner Evans Achoki and National Police Service Director of Operations Yakub Rashid.
Close to 60 people have been killed in banditry attacks in Isiolo from January this year.
