Kakamega chiefs, assistants- directed to reactivate security committees

Western Regional Commissioner Allan Machari has ordered Kakamega chiefs and assistant chiefs to reactivate and strengthen security committees in respective jurisdictions to enhance the fight against crime.

In the recent past, the county has witnessed a spate crime incidents that include livestock theft, break-ins, robbery with violence and drug trafficking, among others.

Machari issued the directive during an introductory meeting with over 400 National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) drawn from the county at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.

The commissioner reminded the administrators that their mandate revolves around three core functions: coordination of security, coordination of national development and promotion of peaceful co-existence in their areas. Consequently, he asked the administrators to ensure their respective security committees are active and work in tandem.

He said: “Security is managed through committees. The policy of security management in Kenya is multi-agency based and that is why we have the NGAO, the National Police Service, village elders and the nyumba kumi.

“All these multi-agencies are supposed to be coordinated by the NGAO hence the chairperson bears the biggest responsibility. I therefore expect you to forge teamwork in execution of your duties by making sure you get the best from each member of the committee”

Machari urged the administrators to make proper use of the teams they work with to deal with criminal gangs and goons. He said it is only the police who are supposed to provide security in political gatherings and anyone else purporting to provide private security will be treated as a criminal.

He said: “In countless number of times the president and the Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security have pronounced themselves on this issue. As a region we have done mapping and identified where the goons operate right from the sub location level. All we need to do now is to move decisively and stamp out the menace.

“I need a clear plan of action from each deputy county commissioner. Sit down with your respective teams and give me a clear roadmap on how you plan to deal with the criminal gangs, including the necessary assistance you require from my office.”

Kakamega County Commissioner Taari Rwaria urged the administrators to focus on the core mandate of the ministry and desist from engaging in political activities that may prevent them from fairly discharging their duties to members of the public.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Melechezedeck Ejakait and Godfrey Wang’anya