Tana River residents ordered to surrender arms as tension escalates

Armed residents of Tana River County have been ordered to surrender their arms, as the government yesterday declared parts of the county "security disturbed and dangerous."

Twin gazette notices by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announced the directives would take effect immediately.

The order targets Bangale and Tana North Sub Counties. In Bangale, the affected locations are Madogo, Areri, Saka, Sala, Mororo and Mbalambala.

Affected locations in Tana North are Hirimani, Hosingo, Dukanotu, Chewele, Nanighi and Bura.

"... the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, in consultation with the National Security Council, declares... parts of Tana River County as security disturbed and dangerous," said Prof Kindiki.

The move comes amid a wave of inter-clan clashes that claimed at least 18 lives and left hundreds homeless as they fled the affected areas. 

Residents have blamed authorities for lapses in intelligence, which they argued would have prevented the clashes.

The gazettement of Tana River county as security disturbed and dangerous paves the way for an all-out security operation to tame the unrest. The military has already been deployed to join security patrols in the region.

More measures could follow, including a curfew and other restrictions in the affected areas.

"This notice shall take effect on 11th October, 2024 as from 6.30 pm for a period of 30 days and may, at any time be withdrawn or continued in force for such further period as the Cabinet Secretary may, in each case, by notice in the Gazette direct," he added.

In his notice, Kanja ordered armed persons, including registered ones, to surrender their weapons to the nearest police station, post, camp or National Government Administration Offices "during the hours of the day for safe custody."

"All arms surrendered shall be returned to their owners upon the revocation or termination of this notice," said the police boss.

Tana River has been a hotbed of periodic inter-communal conflict over a number of issues, including grazing grounds for livestock. The current conflict is believed to have been sparked by the resettlement of flood victims along the banks of the Tana River.