To avert terrorism attacks in the North Eastern region, Fafi Member of Parliament Salah Yakub, pledged to appoint a team of elders who would negotiate with Al Shabaab suspects to leave the region.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) MP on Thursday, February 9, met elders from his constituency in the Bura East sub-county to craft solutions to avert terror attacks.
According to him, terrorism has been a major issue in Garissa, creating fear and tension among the residents.
Yakub’s proposal was backed by the elders and citizens who swore to collaborate with the government by sharing any information concerning Al Shabaab's suspects.
“People know where they (suspects) stay, where the camps are, and so we want them to leave our area immediately or we the people of this area will deal with them” MP Yakub cautioned.
“We will not allow them to interfere with development projects of this constituency,” he added.
Among the recent attacks that sparked fear in the region was an incident in Bura where more than five people were killed. Terrorists also attempted to derail the Lapset project and construction of the Bura-Garissa road.
County commissioner, Boaz Cherutich, vowed to root out the terrorists who tried to destabilize peace in the area.
“These elders have agreed to work with us by creating awareness of peace among the villagers,” Cherutich echoed MP Yakub’s sentiments.
"We urge the government to take stern action against any culprit who will be arrested in the security operations,” Cherutich added.
Other officials who were in attendance at the meeting were security officials, political elders, and chiefs.
On Thursday, February 9, the US embassy issued a terror alert to its citizens and foreigners in Nairobi and its environs. The citizens were urged to be cautious when carrying out activities in the city.
"Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists," an excerpt of the alert stated.
A day later, on Friday, February 10, the United Kingdom (UK) also issued a similar alert cautioning them of a possible terror threat in the country.
