Security agencies traverse Tana River villages, share peace messages

Security agencies have traversed various streets in Tana River County to preach peace amid tension over land in the area.

The exercise, in partnership with the International Organisation Migration, seeks to enhance the relationship between the public and the security agencies in managing conflict.

Speaking at Hola on Thursday, National Counter Terrorism Center Coordinator Joseph Kanyiri noted that the interrelation gap between the Public and enforcement officers is detrimental to the county's security.

"The two should coexist as one to help each other in sharing information related to inter-ethnic conflicts and violent extremism," Kanyiri said.

Kanyiri noted that the activity gears towards encouraging the residents to share information on activities that seek to disrupt peace in the county.

He added that the move will also champion cohesion among the various ethnic groups.

Kanyiri reiterated the need for security agencies to integrate with the members of the community as a means of eradicating the negative notion the public has against the police.

"Today we have done it through sports, and more of this needs to be encouraged across the country so that the community understands that the enforcement officers are just members of their family looking out for their welfare," he said.

His sentiments were emphasised by assistant county commissioner Timothy Omoit on the need for residents to befriend the police and vice versa.

Omoit noted that security and tranquillity in the county are shared responsibilities; therefore, there is a need for a grassroots intelligence network pairing locals and law enforcers.

"We are committed to confidentiality with any information shared to our desk and we make sure that none of our informants or anyone sharing any information with us remains anonymous," he said.

Omoit appealed to the residents to observe peace and shun alarmists seeking to throw communities into chaos over petty issues.

" There is nothing we can't sit down and solve, therefore, we encourage everyone to be watchful and call out individuals that thrive in chaos," he said.

The two-day exercise comes amid tension In the county over land row In various parts of the county that has seen scores injured.