Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared 13 areas near mining sites within the general Hillo Area in Marsabit County as disturbed and dangerous.
In a gazette notice on Thursday, March 14, Kindiki announced that no one would be allowed in the areas for thirty days without written authority from the County Police Commander of Marsabit County.
“Pursuant to section 8 (1) of the Public Order Act, no person may be found present in the afore specified areas at any time from the date. hereof without written authority from the County Police Commander of Marsabit County.
“This notice takes effect from 0630 Hrs on the 14th March 2024, for a period of thirty (30) days and may be withdrawn, varied, continued or otherwise altered as appropriate and as the Cabinet Secretary may direct,” the notice read in part.
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The 13 areas declared disturbed and dangerous include; Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Irress Abamartille, and Hillo Gootu.
Othere are; Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karmay, Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee and Hillo Godde Haroressa.
According to CS Kindiki, there has been an escalation of violence and other criminal activities in the areas in recent days.
“The area has been rife with armed criminals facilitating trade in narcotic drugs, while seven people including two aliens were killed this week in gang rivalries among the illegal artisanal miners on site. Cases of rape, defilement, and gender-based violence have been booked,” Kindiki stated.
The Interior CS mentioned that a special team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over Investigations to identify and apprehend the offenders.
