Police ordered to launch a crackdown on armed youth in Garissa Town

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has urged the community to cooperate with chiefs and security officers to curb the new wave of violence witnessed in Garissa Town over the past three months.

Nathif, while speaking at a security meeting today, told law enforcers to take action against locals involved in cases of robbery with violence, including boda boda operators.

The governor attributed the surge in teen violence to drug abuse, identifying it as a major contributing factor.

North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno further ordered a crackdown to address the ongoing incidents of violence, including last week's stabbing of a youth named Ibrahim Abdi by individuals armed with pangas.

Ibrahim was attacked as he walked from home to the mosque. The armed gang also stole his mobile phone. 

He also instructed chiefs and security officers to take responsibility for the rising incidents of gang violence in Garissa town.

Otieno warned that action will be taken against the government officers for failing to contain the spread of robbery with violence orchestrated by teenagers armed with knives and panga. 

North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno speaks at a security meeting held in Garissa County on Monday, July 29, 2024. (Photo Issa Hussein)

“A small town like Garissa cannot experience a wave of violence by armed teenagers when we have almost 600 security personnel," he wondered.

The Regional Commissioner further raised concerns about public outcry over allegations that police were releasing suspects on flimsy grounds.

“We are investigating cases where police are accused of releasing suspects involved in the widespread violence. If it's confirmed that our officers were minting money out of the ongoing security crises, we will not hesitate to take the necessary action against them," he warned.

Chiefs, moving forward, will be held accountable for incidents happening within their jurisdiction.

“Criminals dont come from other areas. These young boys are known; their parents are known. A chief must take responsibility to identify the culprits, and Garissa town must be secured," he instructed. 

On July 26, police officers from Iftin Police Station arrested Yunis Adan Abdi, 18, and Marwan Ahmed Jelle, 17, after accusing them of robbing a school teacher using a panga at Bulla Iftin in Garissa Town. 

The teacher's Oppo mobile phone was stolen as he walked home from school. 

In another incident, a gang armed with an AK-47 raided a shop in the Dobale area of Galbet Ward, making off with Sh700 shillings.