Gov’t Declares Dusk To Dawn Curfew In Parts Of Garissa County In Wake Of Land Conflict

GARISSA,Kenya, Mar, 23 – A multi-agency security operation was launched in Garissa county earlier this month in the wake of several attacks across the county with the national government citing terror as the bane of their security concerns.

Coincidentally around the same time, Garissa county commissioner Boaz cherutich said that the government had directed that status quo be maintained in the wake of increased land disputes that turned violent forcing several people to flee their homes while several others sustained gunshot injuries.

Now, interior cabinet secretary, Dr Fred Matiang’i has issued a declaration of state curfew, in parts of Garissa Central Division.

According to Matiang’i,incidences of criminal attacks fueled by land conflicts have resulted in retaliatory attacks resulting in loss of life and destruction of property amidst heightened tension.

In the wake of the directive, a contingent of security officers has been deployed to the affected areas with 23 suspects now in police custody pending arraignment.

“In accordance with section 8 (1) and section 3 of the Public order Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government has ordered a 6.pm – 6.am  curfew for a period of 30 days effective Wednesday March, 23, 2022,” read a section of the statement.

The areas that will be affected include, Garissa Central consisting of Waberi East location in the areas of Bulla Othan and Bulla Mzuri.

Waberi West location in areas of Bulla Tawakal as well as Iftin location in areas of Bulla Rakhama.

Additionally, the government has suspended all land survey, adjudications, issuance of title deeds and transactions in the distributed areas until further notice.

Mating’i also said that the government will conduct the immediate recruitment and deployment of chiefs to Tawakal and Bulla Mzuri location .

“Elected leaders from the affected areas have been invited to an urgent meeting to deliberate on pace restoration  and lasting inter-clan coexistence,” said Matiang’i.

Earlier this month police recovered here AK-47 rifles, 98 ammunitions and five magazines in the county with two suspected militants being arrested in Modika area.

Security officers across the various sub-counties have been urged to facilitate the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms with the government maintaining that an existing amnesty on the same is still active.

“We had challenges in Bula Tawfiq and Iftin where people have been fighting because of land….government has ruled that status quo is maintained until la land tribunal addresses the matter. Security operations meanwhile will continue with the amnesty instituted with government to continue to advise people to willingly surrender illegal firearms..if you refuse we will find you and arrest you,” said Cherutich on March,2,2022.

Residents have meanwhile been urged to cooperate with security agencies and share information on any suspicious activities in the affected areas.