MPs want military deployed to war-torn counties

North Eastern MPs want the Government to deploy military officers to the war-torn Wajir, Garissa and Mandera counties.

The legislators, while condemning the ongoing attacks, said children, women and the elderly had borne the brunt of the brutality meted on them by the assailants.

Led by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, the lawmakers accused the Government of doing little to contain the killings.

“The Government should deploy the military, General Service Unit and Rapid Deployment Unit to conduct a disarmament programme in all affected areas in Wajir and Mandera counties,” said Duale.

Addressing the Press at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi yesterday, the MPs demanded that police chief David Kimaiyo brings to book those behind the attacks.

“Government, community leaders and politicians from the region must work together to embrace peace and stop the killings of the people of North Eastern. The Inspector General of Police must bring to book the perpetrators of the killings irrespective of their status,” he said.

They also urged the State, in partnership with county governments, to provide humanitarian assistance in terms of food and shelter to those affected by the inter-clan conflicts.

“The Government should initiate a resettlement programme for those who were displaced by the attack and give humanitarian assistance to the affected through the Ministry of Devolution,” said the Majority Leader.
Duale, who is also Garissa town MP, said devolution cannot work in a chaotic environment.

Flanked by Wajir County parliamentary group Chairman Mohamed Elmi, Duale said recurring conflict between the Degodia and the Garre was hampering the implementation of devolution. “We want devolution to work and it cannot work when we have communities fighting each other from time to time. We as leaders will continue to pile pressure on the Government to maintain peace and security, but our people must also end this war,” he maintained.

Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji said the killings must stop and peace initiatives started by both warring parties for development to take place.

Last week, more than 30 people were killed in fresh attacks in Wajir County.

The lawmakers called on the fighting communities to embrace peace and end hostilities.