Government Puts Criminal Gangs on Notice, Vows to Crush Threats to Security

 The government has issued a stern warning to criminal gangs operating in Kenya, vowing that security agencies will take decisive action to dismantle all groups threatening peace and stability.

Speaking during a press briefing at Madogo Police Station in Bangali Subcounty, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lang’at of the Kenya Police Service emphasized that the government would not relent in maintaining security across the nation. The briefing followed a pass-out parade for 482 National Police Reservists (NPR) drawn from Lamu and Tana River counties.

The DIG, who is on a Northeastern tour assessing security operations, also reviewed the ongoing disarmament exercise targeting illegal firearms in Tana River County, following recent deadly interclan clashes. He highlighted that the newly deployed NPR officers would play a crucial role in enhancing security, particularly in areas affected by banditry, livestock theft, and terrorism.

“We want to incorporate the community into policing and ensure that we effectively manage security situations in this region. The addition of these reservists will complement existing operations, providing intelligence and ensuring the safety of residents,” DIG Lang’at said.

He stressed that the NPR will serve as the first line of defense, capable of rapid response whenever security incidents occur. “They are key in intelligence collection and community protection,” he added.

DIG Lang’at also warned communities against holding onto illegal firearms, noting that the government’s 60-day amnesty, ending on 22nd February, is a final opportunity to surrender illegal guns voluntarily. Failure to comply will trigger a forceful disarmament process. So far, authorities have recovered nine firearms in Bangali Subcounty, a move Lang’at described as evidence of growing cooperation between police and the community.

“The surrender of firearms shows that people want peace,” he said. “Criminal gangs, especially those involved in terrorism, should understand that we will continue to deal with them decisively. Peace is paramount, and we will maintain it at all costs.”

The DIG was accompanied by regional police commanders Papita Ranka (Northeastern), Ali Nuno (Coast), and NPR Director Kenneth Kimani, along with other senior security officials. The government reiterated that the integration of community policing and trained reservists is central to restoring stability in conflict-prone areas.

Security experts hailed the deployment of NPR officers as a strategic move to strengthen law enforcement in remote counties, ensure rapid response to criminal threats, and protect communities from recurring violence and interclan conflicts.

Authorities have urged all residents to cooperate fully with police operations, report suspicious activities, and voluntarily surrender illegal firearms during the ongoing amnesty period, warning that any form of resistance will be met with strict enforcement measures.

The DIG’s statement underscores the government’s commitment to upholding peace, enhancing community security, and curbing criminal and terror activities in Tana River County and the broader northeastern region.