78 foreigners arrested, 58 guns seized in Isiolo security sweep

A total of 78 foreign nationals and several drug traffickers have been arrested in Isiolo County over the past three months, as the government steps up efforts to curb insecurity and narcotics trade in the region.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the arrests on Thursday during the Jukwaa La Usalama tour in Isiolo.

He said the security operation, dubbed Operation Ondoa Jangili, has also led to the recovery of 58 firearms in what he described as a major breakthrough in restoring peace.

"There is relative peace in Isiolo County owing to various strategies the Government has laid down in the last two years," said Murkomen.

The Interior boss pointed to Operation Maliza Uhalifu and Operation Ondoa Jangili as crucial in flushing out criminal elements from known hotspots in the county.

He said these operations have disrupted armed gangs and significantly reduced illegal firearm circulation.

"Operation Maliza Uhalifu and Operation Ondoa Jangili have flushed out criminals in various hotspots of the county and recovered arms," he said.

Murkomen, however, expressed concern over the ongoing drug problem in the region.

He noted that Isiolo's location near the Ethiopia border makes it a key transit route for narcotics, posing a major threat to public health and security.

"While a lot of work has been done to combat this menace, we must do more to save our youth and bring those responsible to justice. We are now targeting those behind the trafficking networks to ensure we completely dismantle them," said Murkomen.

He further warned politicians and security officers against colluding with drug traffickers. He made it clear that anyone found aiding the networks would face legal action.

"Politicians will not be allowed to intimidate officers or harass the police, chiefs, and assistant chiefs when suspects are arrested. Officers who get involved with these criminals will also not be spared," he cautioned.

Murkomen also highlighted the growing abuse of banned substances and illicit brews as a crisis affecting the larger Upper Eastern region.

He said the government had launched a crackdown on individuals cultivating cannabis within the Mt Kenya Forest.

"Illicit brew, second-generation alcohol and drug abuse is a matter of concern in this region. We are working closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service in the three counties to apprehend the criminals growing cannabis in the forest, and they will be dealt with accordingly," he said.

He linked the rise in drug abuse to increasing suicide cases in Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu counties, calling for stronger support from residents.

"So far, we have arrested some suspects, especially distributors and retailers. Security officers alone cannot succeed. The cooperation of the local community is paramount," he said.