Tana River Deputy Governor, Mahatat Ali Loka, has ordered a suspected killer gang terrorising residents to down their tools or face severe consequences.
Speaking on Thursday, August 10, Ali Loka stated that the gang, nicknamed Kayole, had wreaked havoc in the county, judging by the innumerable complaints filed by its victims.
The deputy governor stated that he had urged them to join technical vocational training institutions or enroll at rehabilitation centres prior to advocating for the deployment of the police to flush them out.
Bangale Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir, who also spoke at an event held at Madogo Vocational Training Center, added that they had identified three ring leaders of the notorious gang who will aid police in identifying other culprits and their alibis.
"The MCA has even tried to sponsor some of your school fees. So how do you expect us, the security officers, to handle this menace?” the visibly irate commissioner wondered.
He further advised parents against abdicating their roles in raising their children and rather ensure they nurture a well-rounded and grounded generation.
Speaking at the same event, the county’s first lady Zeinab Abdullahi also called for a change of mentality and asked women and young girls to join vocational training institutions and acquire skills that will economically empower them.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke Adbi Rahaman, a manager of a local resort in Tana River, lamented that the gang has infused fear among many residents forcing them to retire to their homes early.
“They do not even spare anyone. They are just brutal, and do not care about age or status. They will take what they want from you and could even harm you in the process,” Abdi Rahaman noted.
He, however, lauded the security agencies for working hand in hand with residents to restore peace in the county.
“The government is carrying out programmes to try and help these gang members leave crime. Unfortunately, if they do not seek the help being offered, then they may be left with no other option,” he remarked.
