NAIROBI – Interior Principal Administrative Secretary Anne Ng’etich has downplayed fears that re-opening of Kenya, and Somalia border points have given rise to attacks by militants.
Ng’etich said recent attacks using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) cannot be blamed on the reopening of border points that had been shut for over a decade.
“The increase in attacks is a matter of concern to us but I cannot say it is because we have reopened border points,” she said.
In the past two weeks, over 20 officers have been killed in attacks by the Al Shabaab militia in Garissa and Lamu counties.
Speaking to the Star after the launch of the Witness Protection Agency’s 2023/2028 Strategic Plan, Ng’etich assured Kenyans that the government will enhance security to curb attacks.
“We have enjoyed relative peace until now. I am appealing to locals to share any information that may be useful to security agencies,” she said.
She further said security agencies will enhance partnerships with players in the sector to prevent further attacks in Kenya and Somalia.
“If you have any useful information, do not keep it to yourself, share it with authorities,” she said.
Kenya and Somalia agreed to re-open three border points amid a cloud of uncertainty on whether the benefits from increased trade and movement of people will outweigh insecurity risks.
Three border points had been shut for more than a decade due to insecurity posed by the Somalia-based terrorist group Al Shabaab.
They include Mandera/Belet Hawo (Belethawa), Liboi-Harhar/Dhobley, and Kiunga/Ras Kamboni.
The closure of the border points between Kenya and Somalia started in 2011 by the administration of the late President Mwai Kibaki following a spate of attacks from Al Shabaab.
The government has since vowed to end frequent attacks on its soldiers by the Al Shabaab militia.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the government is modernising the KDF and police artillery in a renewed effort to end Al Shabaab attacks both in the country and in Somalia.
The CS said the equipment will include sophisticated armored personnel carriers with the ability to detect improvised explosive devices along the areas under their command.
In addition, the government will purchase sophisticated equipment over the next three months to help police and KDF forces fight the militia.
The CS also said that the government would not be intimidated by terrorists.
The Star
