The escalating cases of Al-shabaab attacks in North Eastern region has forced local leaders back to the drawing board in an attempt to address the menace.
And today, Wajir Governor Ambassador Mohamed Abdi co-chaired with the county Commissioner of Wajir Mr Jacob Narengo a sensitisation program attended by area Members of Parliament aimed at looking for solutions on how to fight Al-shabaab.
The exercise which took better part of the day saw the morning session being utilized by the Leaders led by the Governor and the County Commissioner together with County Security teams. The five-hour meeting at the County Commissioner’s residence was open to the leaders to talk to the locals in explaining to them why they should remain alert and report any suspected Al-shabaab militants.
Several elders and elites from the six sub counties of Wajir County attended the meeting where their input was recorded as part of the resolutions reached out on how to eradicate Alshabaab from the County.
Today’s meeting comes in the backdrop of several terror attacks which have been reported in North Eastern Province. This has put more pressure on the Security team as members of the public expect peace restored in the region.
Speaking to the locals the Governor told the Security team that they have his full blessing and as the County chief they have his support.
Governor Amb. Mohamed Abdi further confirmed Al-shabaab was a threat to the National security since it’s attacks have left many killed and property destroyed in the Region as well as disrupting Education sector.
The Governor underscored the team work saying it is the only way to fight Al-shabaab. He urged the locals to cooperate with Security agencies for them to make Wajir a better place to live in.
The Governor cited the 50 years the region has been marginalised, but hastened to add “now we as Somalis from NEP Region can see development that has been brought by devolution which has seen billions of Shilling pumped to us. For Elders and elites it’s high time to stop these militia people before they destroy our counties and our nation at large”.
The Governor also took the occasion to welcome the incoming new County Commissioner who has replaced Mr Kibara. He said leaders from Wajir county whom he leads will work with the new Commissioner to restore peace and security in the county.
Speaking to Youth the Governor urged them to avoid being radicalised and recruited to any kind of terror Groups. He encouraged them to Report any suspected characters through hotline number that was given by the County Security team.
On Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Report the Governor said ” No one in Wajir County is talking against the BBI. We are in full support of it and behind the vow made by president Kenyatta and Rt Honourable Raila Odinga in support of the report”.
The Governor said the BBI Report will unite Kenyas and personally declared that he will be the point man and Ambassador to the people of Wajir County in advocating for adoption of BBI report and support of President Kenyatta’s Government.
The county Commissioner Mr Jacob Narengo said the provisional administration was determined in the fight against Al-shabaab and encouraged all leaders and locals to ensure that the fight was sustained.
The Lawmakers who spoke at the meeting were led by the long serving Member of Parliament in Wajir County who is serving Eldas Constituency Dr Adan Keynan. They included CAS Mohamed Ibrahim Elmi,Wajir East MP Rashid Kasim Amin, Tarbaj Mp Ahmed Bashane, Wajir North MP Ahmed Abdisalan, Wajir South MP Dr Omar Sheikh, Wajir women rep Fatuma Gedi, Nominated Senator Farhia Haji and former Wajir East MP Abbas Sheikh Mohamed.