The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has extended the designation of several areas in Marsabit County as security-disturbed and dangerous for an additional 30 days, allowing enhanced security operations to continue.
The extension was announced in a Gazette Notice dated July 23 and took effect at 6:30 p.m. the same day. It will remain valid for 30 days unless revoked earlier or extended through another Gazette notice.
Murkomen made the declaration under Section 106(6) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, following consultations with the National Security Council.
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The areas covered by the extension include Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Irress Abamartille, Hillo Gootu, Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karray, Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee and Hillo Godde Haroressa.
The extension allows security agencies to continue intensified operations aimed at addressing ongoing security concerns in the affected locations.
In a separate Gazette Notice, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja also prohibited the possession of firearms within the declared areas.
Under Section 106(2)(a) of the National Police Service Act, residents in the affected localities have been directed to surrender any firearms in their possession to the nearest police station, police post, police camp or National Government Administration office during daytime hours for safe custody.
Kanja said the firearms will be returned to their lawful owners once the security declaration is lifted or expires.
The designation of an area as security-disturbed and dangerous gives the government authority to enforce additional security measures, including restricting firearm possession, to help restore and maintain public order.
The latest extension indicates that the government will continue heightened security surveillance and operations in parts of Marsabit County as it monitors the security situation.
