Guns are not ornaments, Kindiki says as 250 reservists graduate in Isiolo, Marsabit

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has ordered security agencies in insecurity-prone areas to ruthlessly deal with bandits and cattle rustlers.

He said police officers should use the firearms in their possession to protect Kenyans and themselves and not allow criminals to harm them before they neutralise them.

"Those firearms you are carrying are not ornaments or decorations, use them to protect Kenyans and yourselves," Prof Kindiki said when he presided over the graduation ceremony of 138 National Police Reservists at Alamach in Isiolo.

The reservists picked from local communities will be deployed to insecurity hotspot areas in the county.

Hailing the contribution made by police reservists in tackling insecurity across the country, Kindiki said the government was deliberate in using them as the first line of defence.

The graduands' first assignment is to tackle cattle rustling by criminals in Isiolo and neighbouring Samburu County, with Kindiki saying the killing of innocent citizens and livestock theft pitting communities in Isiolo and Samburu must end.

"The reservists are residents who well understand the terrain and will provide much-needed support in tackling cattle rustling," he said.

CS Kithure Kindiki inspects a guard of honour at Alamach in Isiolo where he presided over graduation of 138 National Police Reservists on March 14, 2024. (Waweru Wairimu)

Banditry fight

Vowing to crush bandits and rustlers, CS Kindiki said the government will continue enhancing the capacity of security agencies to deal with criminals using sophisticated weapons.

Apart from the use of drones in surveillance, he announced the provision of armoured vehicles and other modern equipment that will support security efforts.

The reservists underwent a one-month training program with the county government, supporting them with bedding and food provisions.

Isiolo County Secretary Dade Boru, who represented Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo at the meeting, said the reservists will boost police efforts in protecting residents and their properties.

"We appeal for more reservists so that all the affected areas are covered," he said.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki arrives for the graduation ceremony for 138 National Police Reservists at Alamach in Burat, Isiolo, on March 14, 2024. (Waweru Wairimu)

CS Kindiki, who was accompanied by Eastern region Commissioner Paul Rotich, had earlier officiated a similar pass-out for 140 reservists in Laisamis who will be deployed to hotspot areas in Marsabit County.

He hailed the local security team led by County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding, religious leaders, elders, and leaders for vouching for peaceful coexistence among local communities.

"We all have a responsibility to play in ensuring we have lasting peace, which is a crucial ingredient to development," he said.

At the same time, Kindiki directed the Eastern Region security team to carry out a security assessment at Isiolo's Kom Durte mine to establish if it was safe or not.

There have been concerns that the site is harbouring criminals who unleash terror in and out of Isiolo.

The government had, nearly two years ago, closed down the mine following concerns that proceeds from the activities were being used to fuel insecurity in Marsabit County.

The security team was given until Monday to carry out the assessment, which will guide the State in deciding whether or not to close the mine.

"We have closed down artisanal mines in Dabel after seven people were killed in recent clashes and for harbouring armed criminals who were facilitating narcotics business. We will do the same for any other mine site that is harbouring criminals," CS Kindiki said.

The government on Thursday gazetted 12 gold sites in Dabel as dangerous and disturbed following the clashes, meaning no one will be allowed there starting today.

Others in attendance were Isiolo Interfaith Chairperson and Secretary Ahmed Sett and Bishop Stephen Kalunyu, MCAs David Lemantile (Oldonyiro), Peter Losu (Ngaremara), Nicholas Lorot (Burat) and Samburu's Kelvin Lemantaan of Waso ward.