Northern Kenya artists on Saturday, November 6, expressed their disappointment over the recent attacks in the region, castigating the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i, for his failure to ensure security in the larger Northern Frontier District (NFD).
Addressing the press, the artists faulted the government, and specifically the Ministry of Interior, for disregarding their interests.
They argued that when something directly affects people highly ranked in the government, the Ministry of Interior moves in quickly with a swift response, but does not replicate the same energy when it comes to issues touching on the Northern Kenya.
Drawing from the Thursday, November 4, banditry attack that led to loss of nine lives and 11 injuries, the artists stated that the ambush was a clear indication of how the government handles matters.
“Thursday's attack happened three minutes from the Marsabit Police Station. Where were the police officers? What is really happening?” one of the artists wondered.
The artists challenged the government to deploy more officers to the region as the only way to boost security and assure the residents of their safety.
The artists accused the government of doing nothing leaving the residents at the mercy of the attackers and bandits.
“Marsabit County has turned into a cradle of widows, widowers and orphans. What do you want us to tell these innocent children when they grow up? That their parents were attacked and killed by bandits while trying to provide for them?
“A road has been constructed for us, a very nice road, but we cannot even drive and walk comfortably on it,” they added.
“Matiang'i, even if you say you are doing something, it is clear that nothing is happening. Try to imagine that this is happening to someone close to you, and we are sure you will take tougher measures and with immediate effect."
They proceeded to urge Matiang'i to up his game, and put himself in their shoes.
“We know that if you want to solve these issues, you can. You are in Nairobi, and that’s why you cannot feel what we are feeling."
Notably, the artists lectured the government, saying that if they are not going to ensure that Marsabit is safe, then they should not bother seeking votes from the residents.
“Tell us whether we are second class citizens, because right now we are invaluable, but when you will need votes, you will ensure that everyone in the country is mobilised. We have seen this and we know you will come.”
“You will never see our votes because there is nothing you have done,” they concluded.
