Top North Eastern administrator hits out at Gov Roba for addressing ‘delicate’ security issues through media

MANDERA, Kenya, Jan 16- North Eastern Regional Commissioner Nicodemus Musyoki has hit out at Mandera Governor Ali Roba, for publicly revealing the increased Al-Shabaab militants presence at the border County.

While he admits that the terror threat remains real in the County, the Regional Commissioner in a statement said the Governor should have reached directly to the security agencies.

Interestingly, Friday was the second time the Governor was issuing a statement over the worrying situation at the County, while the security leadership maintained a prolonged silence.

“There is no denying that the county still experiences daunting scenarios each day due to its proximity to the Al-Shabaab corridor, but it is no longer the enemy’s stomping ground,” the Regional Commissioner said in a statement.

“Contrary to the Governor’s claims, since 2013, Mandera County has registered steady gains through our security forces who have been repulsing and deterring threats to lives and property.”

In recent weeks, the Al-Qaeda linked militants have launched pockets of attacks in the area targeting communication masts, civil servants and security installations.

An assistant chief was beheaded while non-locals remains largely targeted, a situation that has crippled the education sector in the area.

“In addition, investment in learning has stabilized significantly. National Government Administrators have been tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that all children report back to school and majority of the schools have reopened despite the shortage teachers, with an overwhelming percentage turnout of learners,” the top administrator said.

“Indeed, terrorism remains one of the biggest threats to our security not just in Mandera, but around the world.”

Also Read:

Al-Shabab now collecting ‘offering’ in Mandera: Gov Roba calls for radical security review

One Al-Shabaab militant arrested as KDF special forces kills 3 in Lamu

Al-shabaab attack ambulance with pregnant woman, kills her husband in Mandera

Governor Roba had claimed that the militants were in control of 50 percent of the vast County and 60 percent of the entire Northern Kenya region.

“Given the sensitive and risky nature of our operations, it is highly regrettable that he chose to address such delicate and complex national security concerns in the manner he did. His actions as a leader have the potential of heightening tensions and possibly placing lives at risks,” Musyoki said.