‘Rejesha Amani Marsabit’, Police Recover Guns, Drugs As Security Operation Is Intensified

MARSABIT, Kenya, May, 14  – Weeks after Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i declared a dusk to dawn curfew in Marsabit county amidst increased insecurity fueled by alleged tribal clashes and a proliferation of illegal guns and ammunition, a multi-agency security team spearheading the operation, code name: ‘rejesha amani Marsabit says that significant progress has been made amidst efforts to restate peace and security.

According to the multi-agency security team, police have so far managed to confiscate 14 assault rifles, one general-purpose machine gun, and 617 rounds of assorted ammunition among other crude weapons held by members of the public in the area.

“Most of the weapons were recovered during our search and recovery operations in the curfew area, while others were surrendered to the police and the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO).  The team has also broken a racket of drug traffickers and recovered a large haul of marijuana drugs.,” said Benard Mbatha, Operation Rejesha Amani Marsabit Commanding Officer.

The weapons were recovered between May 10 and 13,2022.

The National Security Council decided to launch “Operation Rejesha Amani Marsabit” following incessant inter-ethnic attacks that have defied peace initiatives and the lapse of the 30-day window sought by county leaders to secure reconciliation according to the Interior CS.

The operation came amidst the killing of six people including a Chief and his assistant while four others were wounded in Yanish, Laisamis constituency within Marsabit by local militias.

The operation is expected to run for 30 days with the option of an extension which will run in tandem with the disarmament exercise targeting illegal guns and ammunition.

“The peace-loving members of Marsabit county have nothing to fear, we expect total cooperation, and we are assuring them officers coming for the operation know what is required of them, they are professional, and we will do what is required within the confines of the law….we will continue with the operation until all illegal firearms are out of the criminals’ hands,” said Mbatha.

The multi-agency team reiterated that they continue to receive actionable intelligence that will be used to restore peace in the county.

Meanwhile, the government will also dispatch more relief food and water to Marsabit. The county has experienced long spells of drought and famine that have wiped out large herds of livestock which is the economic mainstay of many residents.