Security Operation Next Option In Marsabit As Local Leaders Fail To ‘Restore Peace’ -Govt

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 20- A major security operation is looming in Marsabit County, where clashes between communities have left tens dead, amidst a striking drought that has exposed thousands to hunger.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi on Tuesday said the government is now contemplating starting a security operation in the troubled areas of the expansive County.

Such an operation, he said might kick off upon the lapse of a 30-day period given to local leaders to address the underlying issues.

The timelines were issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta, during a meeting with leaders from Marsabit.

Matiangi was speaking during a meeting with Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Bishops and Senior Clergy at the All Africa Conference of Churches in Nairobi.

The Interior Cabinet Secretary blamed the recurrent conflict in Marsabit on political and ethnic profiling and balkanization.

“They (leaders) themselves accepted the ultimatum they were given by the Chairperson of the national security council who is the President of this country. In other words, we are not going to give a notice to do what we are going to do,” he cautioned.

He also blamed area politicians for fueling violence ahead of the August 9 polls.

“For Marsabit, we are left with only one option, and we will exercise that option. No one should blame the government because we are going to do in Marsabit what we must do to secure that place and secure our people,” he asserted.

“We have done everything we could to bring sanity to that part of the country. There is nothing our President has not done.”