Kitui spends Sh100m on eight new police stations in volatile areas

The government of Kitui is building eight police stations in insecure areas.

The stations are being built in volatile areas neighbouring Tana River county at a cost of Sh100 million.

The targeted areas are reportedly used by terrorists as entry or exit points.

On Wednesday, the Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto and his Tana River counterpart David Koskei led their security teams in an inspection tour of three police stations under construction.

The duo hailed the government of Kitui under Governor Julius Malombe for supporting the national government to beef up security along the common border that for years has been the arena for skirmishes.

They said upon completion the eight police stations sufficient security officers would be deployed to curtail banditry and clashes between the locals and encroaching pastoralists from as far as Garissa county over water and pasture resources.

While giving his state of the county address to Kitui MCAs on February 14, Governor Malombe said  his administration was  keen to  see the  end of  insecurity in the peripheral areas. He lamented that insecurity had caused residents untold suffering in the hands of armed  bandits and members of some pastoralist communities.

“In order to offer a long-lasting solution to the insecurity challenges along our northern and eastern borders, we have collaborated with the national government in order to establish eight police stations to enhance security patrols in Kanziku/Simisi, Mutha, Voo/Kyamatu, Endau/Malalani, Nuu, Nguni, Ngomeni and Tseikuru wards,” Malombe said.

The governor said  the  security collaboration was in line with Article 189 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 that allows the two levels of government to assist, support, consult and as appropriate implement legislation.

“Security is key for human existence. Safety and security in local communities are crucial for development as they contribute to stability, social cohesion and the overall well-being of residents,” Malombe said.

Speaking at joint public rally at Imuumba in Kitui East constituency, Rutto and Koskei pledged that security teams from Kitui, Tana River and Garissa counties will work together for peaceful coexistence of communities.

"Security committees from the three counties will continue to work together especially in engaging in activities on building and maintaining peace,” the Kitui county commissioner said.

His Tana River counterpart Koskei pledged support and cooperation in all inter-county border security activities.

“We fully support the Kitui government in its efforts to put up structures to help beef up security among communities living along the common border of our two counties,” he said.

He underscored the importance of peaceful coexistence of the  border communities, urging residents to refrain from acts of violence that may result to fatalities, destruction of property and disruption of peace and order.

Kitui chief officer for decentralised units Kitonga Salee, who represented Governor Malombe during the security tour, reiterated the government's commitment to provide funds for construction and operation of the eight police stations.

Salee hailed the cooperation between Kitui government and the National Police Service to  enhance security across the county.

Last year during a ceremony witnessed by Governor Malombe, Kitui County Police Commander Leah Kithei and Salee signed a MoU granting the government authority to fund the construction of the eight police stations.