By Daudi MwendaAnother depressing week as 28 Kenyans are executed in cold blood on transit from Mandera to Nairobi at Arabiya. Valuable young lives were snubbed out needlessly by merciless terrorists. A disturbing trend of religious profiling of non-Muslims was also evident.
The usual finger-pointing at our intelligence and, or security forces continues. Security all over the world, however, is a covert operation. It operates under the cover of secrecy and becomes overt only when it fails. The government has been at pains to explain they have nipped countless planned terrorist attacks in the bud. This may be so, yet they need to do much more to placate and assuage a restless frightened citizenry.
The instant case is one of pure negligence - how does a caring government allow citizens to travel through perceived terrorist territory without armed escort? During the Shifta War in the 1960s, the then government offered military escort(s) for all travellers or transporters from Nanyuki, Meru, Isiolo all the way to Moyale and Mandera. Our national army then formed less than a Brigade. We now boast several Brigades. How is it that we cannot offer the same service 50 years later and when we pride ourselves on the biggest armies in Equatorial Africa? The truth be told - there have been some serious, grossly negligent unforgivable security lapses.
That said, it is important, however, that we give credit where it is due when our security agencies act swiftly and diligently. Their response (sadly after the fact) in the Arabiya attack was commendable both for its speed and execution. This is, perhaps, the first terrorist attack in which our security forces have responded and gained instant results.
In what appears to simulate an Israeli cross-border attack they identified, pursued and annihilated the terrorists within a commendable 24 hours. A large number of the terrorists were killed within our borders and the rest within Somalia in a three-pronged attack. A total of 115 terrorist fatalities were reported. This action sends out a powerful message to all terrorists. Any other person(s) with similar inclination(s) of attacking Kenya will be deterred by the ferocity and clinical efficiency of our counter-assault.
The infamous al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the massacre. If indeed they are the perpetrators of this heinous act, then our security forces need to be more vigilant. Despite warnings from the Governor of Mandera of an impending attack, one is left with the feeling that more could have been done, and valuable lives saved by taking simple basic precautions.
Our military operation in Somalia appears to cover only one geographical area of Jubaland or Kismayu and its environs. The Mandera, Moyale, Marsabit border seems to have been left to Ethiopia who don't seem to manage it well or to our security satisfaction. Interestingly, the terrorists have not targeted Ethiopia, perhaps leading to their lethargy in patrolling our border.
In the meantime, al Shabaab has turned to hitting soft targets at our border towns including Tana River, Garissa, Moyale and Mandera. Our security personnel ought to take proactive action instead of waiting for Ethiopia to awaken from slumber.
Some battalions from Isiolo, Nanyuki, Nairobi and Nakuru should of necessity be deployed to these areas as they are currently doing precious little within their barracks. More police officers ought to be deployed and encouraged to collect and collate reports on foreigners or suspicious characters from the local populace. Homegrown intelligence is always the most reliable. Suspected terrorist camps or installations near our border towns should be destroyed. Kenya must not take any chances with person's intent on instilling terror in our hearts and minds. Leaders are also requested to be responsible in their utterances. Requesting teachers and other government personnel not to serve in insecure areas is not only callous and irresponsible, but a victory for terrorism. Kenyans must not allow its enemies to determine our destiny.
Going back to Kapedo, there have been allegations of looting, harassment and even rape by KDF soldiers. Politicians have called for a withdrawal of the military from the operation. Some of them have been accused of indirectly aiding and abetting cattle rustling. For the moment, these are mere allegations. They should not, however, be ignored and should be thoroughly investigated. If there is any truth in them, then action should be taken against the perpetrators.
The government must not allow the country to be taken over by criminal elements like the ones currently operating in the Suguta Valley or Coast. Persons who have the temerity and audacity to massacre a lorry-load of policemen will sooner or later acquire the audacity to attempt a larger and more daring venture. It is important to put an end to their mischief without delay. Any politician or local leader involved in unlawful activities should be apprehended and prosecuted before Courts of Law.
The proliferation of militias and, or, criminal gangs are foreboding signs of failed states. Kenya must guard against being dragged into anarchy. Many nations including but not limited to Somalia, Nigeria, Afghanistan and parts of the Middle East have been overrun by militias and, or, criminal gangs. The Nigerian army actually flees in the face of the infamous Boko Haram. We certainly and definitely do not want Kenya to be taken over by anarchists. Remedial action must be taken to maintain the rule of law.