Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, has declared 12 locations in Tana River County as “disturbed and dangerous.” The announcement, made on October 11, 2024, comes with a stern warning to residents. They have been ordered to surrender all arms to the nearest police stations or National Government Administration offices.
This move aims to curb rising insecurity in the region and restore peace. The affected areas will be under strict surveillance for a period of 30 days, with potential extensions.
Tana River Declared a Security Risk Zone
The key areas listed include Banpale Sub-County, Madogo Location, Ari Locations, and several others. The declaration was made under the National Police Service Act, 2011. The CS worked in consultation with the National Security Council to issue this security directive. Residents are urged to comply with the orders immediately.
Residents of the declared “disturbed and dangerous” areas are required to surrender their firearms. This directive applies to all listed regions, including Saka Location, Sola Location, Laica, Midjambula, and more. Any resistance or failure to comply will lead to severe consequences.
“All inhabitants are hereby instructed to surrender their arms immediately to the nearest Police Station, Police Post, or National Government Administration offices,” the notice reads.
In a coordinated effort, Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has also issued a related order for gun owners in the region. The IG’s directive aligns with Kindiki’s announcement, prohibiting the possession of arms in 14 areas of Tana River County. This includes locations such as Bangale Sub-County, Madogo Location, and others.
What Residents Should Expect
The security measures will remain in effect for 30 days, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on October 11, 2024. However, this period can be extended or shortened based on further assessments by the Cabinet Secretary. Security forces will monitor the region closely to ensure compliance and safety for all residents.
CS Kindiki emphasized that the return of any surrendered arms would be considered only after the 30-day period or upon further notice.
The move follows deadly inter-community conflicts witnessed in the Tana River region that has so far left 8 people dead and several nursing bad injuries.
