This archive report was first published on 26 December 2019.
Following a surge in terror attacks in Wajir County over the past three months, Kenya and Somalia are expected to hold a cross-border meeting to address the issue.
According to Wajir County Commissioner Jacob Narengo, the county security team will revive joint cross-border meetings between the communities living in Kenya and the bordering Somalia in a bid to halt the increased cases of violent extremism.
Wajir County has experienced five terror attacks within the past three months, the highest record in recent months, with the latest incident involving a home-made bomb planted along Tarbaj-Kutulo road that exploded on Monday, narrowly missing security officers on routine foot patrol.
Mr. Narengo stated that the new strategy is focused on improving surveillance and enhancing intelligence collection, which is crucial in helping security details to prevent attacks.
He urged the communities' elders to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and local administrators by voluntarily sharing information, which will enable security agencies to act promptly.
As part of the new strategy, the county security boss has ordered chiefs and their assistants to operate from their areas of jurisdiction, ensuring that any vital information is relayed to the county security details.
Mr. Narengo also directed the police to focus on their areas of jurisdiction to tighten security in the villages.
Additionally, he stated that the six people who were recently abducted from the county by suspected Al-Shabaab militants are currently in the hands of their abductors, and efforts are being made to ensure their safe return.
