Dabel, Marsabit County ,
Thursday , March 14, 2024
McCreadie Andias,
With recent violent insurgencies terrorizing the Dabel mining sites in Marsabit County, Cabinet Secretary for Interior Prof. Kithure Kindiki has issued an order banning any civilian acess to the area while also banning mining activities.
CS Kindiki who toured the terror – hit region on Thursday afternoon declared the area as “Dangerous and disturbed” and ordered all occupants to vacate the area with immediate effect.
“Effective 0630 Hours today, 14th March 2024, the Dabel Artisinal Mining Sites described in Gazette Notice No.3032 of even date, have been declared dangerous and disturbed and vacation orders issued.” A statement by the CS read.
The Dabel area affected by the crackdown include 13 areas of Hilo Gorgora, Hilo Orofa, Hilo Walkite, Hilo Tanzania, Hilo Iress Abamartile, Hilo Gootu and Hilo Tessum Qalicha.
Others are Hilo Karray, Hilo Hudda, Hilo Qoranjido, Hilo Irress Shindia, Hilo Rabaalee and Hilo Godde Haroressa.
The area has experienced escalating criminal tensions that aid trade in narcotic drugs. Seven people including two aliens have since been reported dead this week in gang rivalries among the illegal artisinal miners on site.
Furthermore, cases of rape, defilement and gender based violence have been reported.
The statement warned that no person should be found present in the restricted areas specified in the Gazette Notice at any time without the written authority of the County Police Commander, Marsabit County.
Meanwhile, the gazetted areas remain under the heightened scrutiny of National security agencies.
