Matiang’i called upon to crack the whip on errant officers facilitating bandit attacks in Isiolo

Isiolo County leaders have challenged Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi to crack the whip on errant security officials facilitating bandit attacks.

This comes after five people were killed by armed bandits in Madowale village on the Isiolo – Wajir border.

Rehema Jaldesa, the Woman Representative, Isiolo County condemned the attack blaming police officers over what they said was laxity in responding to attacks.

“We challenge Interior CS Matiangi to take action against errant officers who are suspected to be facilitating the bandit attack,” she said.

In a dawn attack, the bandits killed three women, two men and then burnt down Dololo Wachu borehole generator.

Confirming the incident, Isiolo County Commissioner Herman Shambi said that the source of conflict was a fight over pasture.

“It is so sad that they burnt down the borehole which has water that everybody was allowed to use it. Those who destroyed it are the ones to build it again,” he said.

“Inasikitisha kwamba hata wakachoma mahali hiyo borehole iko na maji huwa hainyimwi kila mtu anakubaliwa kutumia maji na lazima walioharibu watengeneza.”

Isiolo Governor Muhammed Kuti condemned the incident and urged security agencies to get to the bottom of the matter and bring the assailants to justice.

Kuti said they seek to create fear and displace local pastoralists from their land following the boundary disputes.

“We call on the government to move with speed and arrest the suspects before this matter goes out of hand,” Kuti said in a phone interview.

He said the boundary dispute between Isiolo and North-Eastern must be resolved to end attacks and counterattacks.

In less than a year, Isiolo County has recorded 40 deaths in banditry attacks.