The Regional Commissioner for the North Eastern Region, John Odhiambo Otieno, has assured residents that the security situation in Garissa County has significantly improved.
Speaking during a meeting that brought together chiefs and their deputies, the County Commissioner of Garissa and his team, as well as Deputy County Commissioners from all nine sub-counties of Garissa, Mr. Otieno said that security officers have put in place strong measures to deal with youth gangs that have been using machetes and knives to terrorize residents of the county.
He noted that these gangs have been involved in the theft of mobile phones and have even been responsible for the deaths of some residents.
Furthermore, Mr. Otieno stated that following a security operation conducted last week, law enforcement officers successfully arrested 140 youths suspected of being members of a gang that has been troubling residents of Garissa. He added that all the suspects have already been arraigned before a court in Garissa.
In addition, Mr. Otieno issued a stern warning to individuals who exploit members of the public in national identification card registration and issuance offices by demanding bribes in exchange for faster services.
He emphasized that anyone found soliciting or receiving money for such services will face legal action without exception.
Mr. Otieno also urged parents to be more vigilant regarding the safety of their children following the emergence of child abduction cases in the region.
He further revealed that one suspect linked to child abduction incidents in the North Eastern region has already been arrested in Nairobi, while efforts to track down another suspect are still ongoing.
