- Security forces have launched a severe search and resulted in the arrest of approximately 43 youths in Isiolo
- Authorities say the operation aims to end the crime and drug trafficking, although the deadline for the people has created a sense of emotion, just one day after the President is in shock
- County commissioner Geoffrey Omoding has defended the move saying that the search was part of an ongoing effort to restore the calm at Isiolo
Isiolo – A security operation implemented in the weekend in Isiolo has seen at least 43 teenagers arrested.
Source: UGC
Police say they targeted suspected drug trafficking, illegal alcohol traders and criminals. According to the county commissioner Geoffrey Omoding, law enforcement officers conducted the search on Friday night and Saturday and Sunday, detaining people found in the city at midnight.
The commissioner confirmed that the search was part of a broader plan to restore security in the area, which has recently been plagued by an increase in crime.
“This is not a one -day operation. We are determined to remove the crime and the threat of drugs,” Omoding said while addressing the media on Sunday.
Were Isiolo youths arrested for chairing President Ruto?
Despite the authorities defining the arrests of such people as a normal security action, many residents and political observers have questioned the duration of the operation.
The repression came just one day after the President William Ruto Faced with some young people in his visit to Isiolo.
The Hekaheka incident disturbed his speech, prompting Governor Abdi Guyo to intervene and called for honor to the head of state.
Claims have arisen suggesting that the arrests may be targeting those involved in the abuse.
However, Omoding denied the allegations, saying the operation was fueled by the President's directive to end the illegal drug trade crossing the border.
What did Ruto say in his speech in Isiolo?
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During his visit to the northeast, Ruto issued a stern warning against drug trade especially in Isiolo and Marsabit counties.
He accused the drug dealers of cheating the youth of the area to cause discomfort during his visit.
“I know that drug dealers have sent young people to bring violence to this meeting. This should be a warning: no one will turn Isiolo into a drug well under my care, ” The president announced.
Law enforcement agencies have long been fighting drug trafficking in the region, with Isiolo and Marsabit as main means of transmitting drugs exported from Ethiopia.
Commissioner Omoding revealed that law enforcement officers have been searching for drug traffickers, some of whom have tried to bribe to get rid of legal problems.
“The drug trade has reached horrible levels. The suspects have been using sports activities as the front part to distribute drugs. Recently we arrested a senior suspect who has been using football to sell drugs to young people. A small group that was screaming when the president was speaking was linked to a chief suspect who was arrested last week, “ Omoding noted.
What did LSK say about the young men arrested in Isiolo?
The arrests have attracted the sentiments of legal entities, with the National Law Society (LSK) intervening to investigate the environment related to the ban.
President of Lsk Faith Odhiambo confirmed that several of the arrested, including Mohamed Kheir, Gollo Kashane, Denis Kikui, Harrison Mwaniki, and Mohammed Abdullah .
The ongoing security operation Isiolo is hiring in the background of Ruto's development tour in the northeastern part of Kenya, where he launched several projects and promised to end insecurity in the area.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
