Disconnect between security apparatus and residents blamed for insecurity in Garissa

Lobby groups have raised alarm over the disconnect between security apparatus and residents which they believe has compromised security in Garissa.

The revelations emerged during Saturday's meeting organised by the Muslims for Human Rights that brought together security actors, human rights defenders and the media.

According to human rights defenders, mistrust between the security agencies and members of the public has made it difficult to tackle insecurity issues in the area.

Facilitated by the European Union through the KIOS Foundation as part of the ‘Haki Ni Yetu’ project, the meeting provided an inclusive platform for sharing human rights experiences and perspectives that can help improve security.

Muhuri coordinator for Garissa county Abdishukri Jelle, said there is a general concern among stakeholders about other latest insecurity cases.

“As we are all aware, security is a collective responsibility where every citizen has a role to play irrespective of the position held in the society. When the trust and confidence between the different players disappear, it is obvious security will be compromised,” he said.

Abdishukri cited recent cases of enforced disappearances which he said were directly linked with insecurity.

“Here we are talking about tackling insecurity where the security apparatus is asking wananchi to cooperate and identify criminals in their midst which they should do. But there is the issue of reporting the same to police officers who are accused of being behind cases of enforced disappearances. The mistrust is the biggest issue,” he said.

He said the forum came at the right time and offered an excellent opportunity for the groups to interact and understand each other much better.

Human rights activist Muktar Dahir said it is important for the security apparatus and the community to collaborate and provide intelligence when needed.

“If we continue aggravating, intimidating, threatening and abducting them how do you expect them to work with you and give the very same crucial information that will help protect our borders,” he asked.

Amina Adhan, a police officer, called on the public to cooperate with law enforcers to improve security.

The last three weeks have seen the town make headlines for all the wrong reasons ranging from insecurity to enforced disappearances.

Mohamed Shangalow, Mohamed Ibrahim, Idle Farah and Osman Yussuf are still missing, a month after being abducted.

The abductions have continued amid the pressure being piled on leaders by activists.

So bad was the situation that residents and human rights activists stormed the Garissa police station early last month, demanding to know the whereabouts of the four.

Last week Thursday, a watchman at Iftin Girls Secondary School in Garissa was killed by unknown people.

The incident come barely two weeks after another incident where a Form Four student was attacked and stabbed to death by sword-wielding gangs that have been terrorizing the residents of Bulla Mzuri.

Last week, Garissa Township MP Dekow Mohamed asked President William Ruto to address the rising cases of increased abductions that he noted threaten to paint his administration in a bad light.