The renewed militant activity along the Kenya-Somalia border has prompted fresh calls for a review of Kenya’s security strategy.
Abakaile MCA Hajir Mohamed Dahiye is petitioning Parliament to reassess the country’s military, diplomatic and border management approach.
In a petition addressed to the speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate, Dahiye wants the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations to urgently investigate the security situation along the Kenya-Somalia frontier, particularly in Garissa county, Dadaab constituency and neighbouring Jubaland.
The petition comes days after about 15 heavily armed gunmen suspected to be al-Shabaab militants raided Abakaile trading centre in Dadaab subcounty.
The attackers hurled a hand grenade at the trading centre’s main gate before spraying the power generator with bullets, disrupting communication services. Security officers from Dadaab and Saretho responded and forced the militants to flee towards Fafi.
No injuries or fatalities were reported. Speaking after presenting the petition, Dahiye said residents of Garissa continue to endure recurring terrorist attacks despite years of military and diplomatic engagement in Somalia.
He argues that although Kenya has invested heavily in security operations since the launch of Operation Linda Nchi in 2011, border communities continue to suffer insecurity, economic losses and disrupted livelihoods.
“The lives, security and livelihoods of residents living along the Kenya-Somalia border remain under constant threat despite the enormous sacrifices made by the Kenya Defence Forces and other security agencies,” the petition states.
“Parliament must now undertake a comprehensive review of whether the country’s current security and diplomatic approach is effectively protecting Kenyan citizens.”
Among its key proposals, the petition asks Parliament to assess the effectiveness of Kenya’s political, diplomatic and military engagement in Jubaland since 2012 and determine whether it has produced sustainable security gains for communities along the border.
Source: the star
