Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has given terrorists and criminal gangs three options as the government affirms its fight against terrorism.
Speaking while in Tana River on Wednesday, Kindiki said that the government will not relent on its plans to fight terrorism.
"Kama rais alisema mambo ni matatu, ata mimi naambia magaidi mambo ni matatu. Wawachane na ugaidi, wahame Kenya warudi kwao ama tutawasafirisha safari ya one way,"
"Na si safiri ya kwenda na gari , ni ya kwenda hadi wafikie jehanamu," Kindiki said.
This loosely translates to: "Just like our President said, the options are three. I also say the options are three for the terrorists. They either stop terrorism, they relocate from Kenya and go home or we will send them to hell".
The CS was speaking while addressing a security baraza at Wayu, Galledyertu Sub-County, Tana River County.
Going further, Kindiki laid out plans for how the government will deal with terrorism and violent extremism.
He announced that there would be deployment of special forces and elite units in Northern Kenya and Upper Coastal regions, including Tana River and Lamu Counties.
They are subjected to deal ruthlessly and neutralize armed criminals who are terrorizing innocent citizens.
"These officers are trained to deal with such militants. We cannot allow such criminals to come from other countries and disturb our peace," Kindiki said.
"They have been specially trained on how to deal with ruthless criminals including terrorists and bandits," he added.
At least one person was killed and several houses torched in an attack by al Shabaab militants in Widhu area, Lamu county.
This is the latest incident to happen in the area amid heightened operations to address the terror-related menace.
Witnesses said the gang torched houses in the raid before escaping. No arrest has been made.
It happened on Tuesday night ahead of a visit by Kindiki to the neighbouring Tana River county on Wednesday.
Already a major operation is ongoing in the area to address al-Shabaab-related attacks, which happen because of among others, the proximity to the main Kenya-Somalia border.
In addition to that, CS Kindiki said the special units have been instructed to operate within the law to protect Kenyans and their land.
"The special units are not coming here are tourists but to hunt down all threats of terror and other sophisticated crime," he added.
Kindiki emphasized that the government has declared war against terrorism and it will not back out.
"We salute and pay homage to our multi-agency security officers who have fallen in the line of duty, defending our nation and its people from criminals," he noted.
The interior boss emphasized that the government will continue to equip security officers with modern weapons and technology to enhance their capacity to deal with criminals.
"Security officers who lawfully use weapons assigned to them to protect themselves from armed criminals as they ensure the safety and security of the residents and their property are assured of Government protection," Kindiki added.
Addressing political leaders, the CS urged them to desist from inciting members of the public in the guise of addressing historical grievances.
Kindiki made it clear that any leader inciting violence and destruction of property will be apprehended and prosecuted, their political affiliation notwithstanding.
