Isiolo,
Saturday, April 13, 2024
KNA by Abduba Memo
Isiolo Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Patrick Musango has cautioned Non -governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the region to observe impartiality during dispute resolution initiatives.
He however warned that those found taking sides during peace resolution meetings that they risked being deregistered adding that the government was keen to see conflicts pitting communities amicably resolved without biases.
Mr. Musango expressed fears that some NGOs were taking sides and planted seeds of discord among communities under the guise of building peace during meetings they organize so as to continue sourcing in pretence to create harmony amongst them.
He said that the government would not hesitate to deal with management of such NGOs and their political godfather where peace and stability are disturbed.
Speaking during a day workshop for Assistant County Commissioners, chiefs and their assistants, and Council of Elders from diverse ethnic groups in the area Mr. Musango said that criminals are known to locals but sometimes the elders and politicians protect them from getting arrested and punished.
The administrator added that some elders who were in the meeting would be arrested since they have been implicated in cattle theft and were keeping stolen animals in the homes despite hiding criminals who are their sons.
The DCC added that some politicians are involved in cattle thefts since they share stolen animals where they preach peace with the government officers during the day and plan criminal activities with the suspects at night.
The meeting was sponsored by Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT) and brought together elders from Borana, Turkana, Somali, Meru and Samburu communities.
Mr. Musango said that all crime loopholes would be sealed and warned influential politicians, civil servants and other stakeholders that the government would firmly deal with criminals and those supporting them.
He directed chiefs to attend all meetings organized by NGOs and stakeholders and write true reports of their activities and how their actions impact on the communities.
A former administration Police Officer Mr. Hassan Isack accused the security team of not responding to reports presented to them by security scouts in the villages on time and giving criminals time to escape with stolen animals.
Mr. Isack said illegal firearms in wrong hands were attributed to increasing cases of insecurity and loss of lives and appealed to the Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki to commence security operation to mop the weapons in Isiolo, Meru and Laikipia which was stopped by a senior politician from Isiolo.
He added that politicians stopped the government operation so as to get popularity from criminals who would support their campaigns for the 2027 general elections.
The former security officer said the current insecurity in Isiolo is politically organized where three communities regroup and cause insecurity due to protection from politicians.
The elders urged the government to arm chiefs and their assistants and deploy security to their offices so that they would not be harmed by criminals they try to excommunicate from the villagers.
Courtesy; KNA