Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sought to allay fears of a rise in al-Shabaab attacks, stating that government strategies to combat terrorism along the Kenya-Somalia border have been strengthened.
He noted that although three police officers were injured by an IED explosion on Thursday, the operation was successful: one al-Shabaab member was neutralised, another was arrested, and their equipment, including firearms and ammunition, was confiscated.
Speaking after chairing a county security briefing at the Embu Regional Commissioner’s office, the CS praised the effective collaboration between the community, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), and the National Police Service (NPS) in detecting and preventing planned attacks.
As he concluded his three-day Jukwaa la Usalama Counties tour of the Upper Eastern Region in Embu County, the CS emphasized the sensitive nature of counter-terrorism and called for patriotism in addressing the issue. He commended the officers’ efforts in maintaining the country’s safety.
“This matter should not be amplified as a success of the enemy but focus on the response by the officers. Until our neighbours are stable, we will continue facing these challenges and are equipping our officers with the right machinery to detect threats and fight the enemy,” stated the CS.
He added, “Our security agencies are in full control and are doing a tremendous job. The NPS will, in due course, share comprehensive data on the measures put in place to secure the nation.”
“It’s easy to fault officers but if we knew the environment they are operating in and the enemies’ change of tack, they have to always be one step ahead.”
He commended the collaboration between Mandera Governor Adan Khalif and security officers, noting that it has been instrumental in the fight against the militia group.
“I am proud of what the governor is doing. We have foiled many attacks,” said the CS.
Mr Murkomen also observed that incidents of attacks on villages and highways have significantly decreased.
“The good response based on intelligence gathering has led to foiled attacks,” he remarked
