Kindiki Mourns County Commissioner Who Led Fight Against Terrorism

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Friday, March 22 announced the death of a County Commissioner who led a special security team in Lamu County in sustaining the war against terrorism.

In a statement, Kindiki mourned the late Louis Rono, revealing that he passed away following an illness while remarking on the deceased's 28 years of service.

"The Ministry of Interior and National Administration is saddened by the sudden death of Louis Rono, the County Commissioner for Lamu County following an illness. Rono has served the Country with patriotism and dedication for 28 years without blemish," he stated in part.

Photo of the late Lamu County Commissioner Louis Kipng'etich Rono. /KITHURE KINDIKI

The late Rono, the CS added, served with distinction in various ranks and stations throughout his career and will be remembered for leading the Lamu County Security and Intelligence Team in sustaining the war against terror in the Boni Enclave.

"May his family find comfort during this painful moment of profound loss," Kindiki concluded in his condolence message.

On his part, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo mourned the late Rono as a diligent and dedicated National Government Administrative Officer (NGAO).

"He will be remembered for his selflessness in the service of others and the country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends," the PS said.

Lamu West MP Stanley Muthama said the deceased was an integral part of the community in matters of security, public participation, peace, cohesion and integration.

"I pass my heartfelt condolences to his family and those who interacted with him in the line of duty," Muthama said.

Rono's demise comes amidst efforts to bolster the security operations to combat both terrorism as well as banditry in the country.

On Wednesday, March 20, CS Kindiki presided over the commissioning of a new fleet of advanced armoured vehicles which will be used for security operations.

"The Government has in the last six(6) months invested Ksh.7.6 Billion and will spend another Ksh.29.4 Billion in the next three(3) years under the Police Equipment Modernisation (PEM) programme to acquire sophisticated protected and mobility equipment," Kindiki stated in part.

The new equipment included Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), Armoured Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)/Drones and Gunship Helicopters.

Others included Mine Sweepers and Personal Protection Equipment to support the sacrificial and patriotic work of Kenya's frontline officers. 

Some of the new vehicles will also be deployed to the areas near Boni Forest where the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are undertaking an operation to weed out terrorists.