Kindiki Deploys Elite Soldiers Hours After Al Shabaab Attack

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government has deployed special forces and elite units in Northern Kenya and Upper Coastal regions to deal with suspected terrorists.

The CS made the announcement while addressing a security baraza at Wayu, Galledyertu Sub-County, Tana River County on Wednesday, September 20.

Tana River Governor Godhana Dhadho, Senator Danson Mungatana, MPs, MCAs and Coast Regional, Tana River County and Galledyertu Sub-County Security and Intelligence Committees were in attendance.

Kindiki highlighted the counties of Tana River and Lamu where the elite troops would be deployed, the latter having just witnessed a suspected Al-Shabaab attack in the Widhu area, Mkunumbi ward in Lamu County.

Kenya Defence Forces soldiers disembark from a truck during a past operation. /NAIROBI NEWS

"To effectively deal with the threat of terrorism and violent extremism, the Government is deploying in Northern Kenya and Upper Coastal regions, including Tana River and Lamu Counties, special forces and elite units to ruthlessly pursue and neutralize armed criminals who are terrorising innocent citizens," he stated.

Kindiki went on to salute and pay homage to multi-agency security officers who have fallen in the line of duty, defending the Kenyan nation and its people from criminals.

He added that the government would continue to equip Kenyan officers with modern weapons and technology to enhance their capacity to deal with criminals.

"Security officers who lawfully use weapons assigned to them to protect themselves from armed criminals as they ensure the safety and security of the residents and their property are assured of Government protection," he went on.

The CS further mandated communities living in border areas to coexist peacefully and allow relevant Government and Judicial institutions to arbitrate whenever there are cross-border disputes.

He directed National Government Administration Officers to help resolve all historical grievances without taking sides, further warning politicians against inciting members of the public under the guise of addressing historical grievances.

"Any leader inciting violence and destruction of property will be apprehended and prosecuted, their political affiliation notwithstanding," Kindiki read the riot act to the political leaders.

His directive came hours after suspected Al Shabaab militants killed one person and set seven homes on fire during the attack in Lamu that reportedly occurred at 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

The attack adds to the increasing number of daring attacks by the notorious terrorist group on innocent people while destroying key infrastructure, ignoring government threats issued against them.

Preliminary reports indicated that before setting the houses ablaze, the militants killed a security guard who was working at Majembeni Primary School.

Scene after a house was torched by suspected Al Shabaab militants on September 20, 2023. /MOSES KOECH.X