Thursday November 12th 2015 marked the third anniversary of the killing of the 42 police officer and National Reservists in the Suguta Valley of Samburu County. However, the day passed without many people in Kenya taking notice, save for the family members and friends of the victims as well as the people of Samburu County.
The Catholic Diocese of Maralal had organized an anniversary celebration which was however well attended by the conflicting communities from around the county as well as security personnel.
Speaking to AMECEA Online News from Maralal, the Diocesan Caritas Director Mr. Evans Onyiego said that the event brought members of different communities together as well as security leaders led by Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Mr. Samuel M. Arachi, MBS, various Religious leaders as well as community leaders.“Initially the Diocese had intended to celebrate Holy Mass for the commemoration but since the turn out included various faith groups, we opted to do interfaith prayers. Other activities included speeches from various leaders; security forces parade as well as lighting of candles and laying flowers at the scene,” he said adding that the Diocese had done a peace monument to commemorate the death of the policemen.
Serious concerns over illegal firearms in the hands of civilians were raised during the event. “Even though the government has created the Kenya Police Reservists, security operators do not know who has a gun and who doesn’t. Because of this the police are not able to respond because while they are using the G3 and AK 47, the communities have G3, AK 47 and above all they have M16. So in terms of power, the police and the community have equal power and in addition, they also have the advantage of understanding the terrain, as opposed to the police of whom the majority are new in the area,” he explained.
It was also observed that there is lapse in the security system as many people tend to take law in their own hands especially when handling issues of theft and cattle rustling. He added that the government representatives present at the occasion promised to beef up security in the area
He also said that there was a serious call on the community to respect security enforcement officers as they are just there to ensure peace and security.
By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News