Kenya to deploy more security forces in troubled Garissa town following attacks

GARISSA (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government has beefed up security along its border with Somalia following three separate attacks in the restive region on Monday night.

News Keydmedia Online
22 August 2014

At least one teacher was killed, three people injured and a police vehicle burnt in the attacks in Bothai village which took place in Garissa County.

The village is located 70 km from Mukowe and Hindi townships in Lamu County which were recently attacked by a similar militia group.

Garissa County Commissioner Rashid Khator said more security personnel had been deployed to the area and dismissed rumors that the militias were planning to carry out more attacks in the area.

"I want to appeal to the residents to stop fear mongering and instead avail any useful information on the attackers they may have," Khator said.

He said more security patrols along the border will be enhanced to curb any incursions by suspected Al-Shabaab from Somalia who have been carrying out sporadic attacks along the border.

This is the third time gunmen have attacked a police station in Garissa Country.

During the previous attacks, a number of police officers have been killed and others kidnapped.

The increased insecurity forced the government to merge small police posts in order to boost numbers and increase security especially in areas near the common frontier.

Khator said the local government has mobilized over one tonne of relief food stuff to be distributed to the affected families who have since taken refuge in the nearby school under heavy security.

A spot check by Xinhua on Wednesday showed residents slowly picking up their day to day activities albeit with fear with local businesses opening up but closing early.

Garissa County Governor Nathif Jama has urged the national government to move with speed and deploy more officers along the borders and also replace the burnt vehicle to ease mobility of the officers.

Xinhua