Security agencies to deal decisively with criminal gangs, says DIG Lagat

Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat[2nd L] looks at some of the firearms recovered during the ongoing disarmament operation targeting illegally held firearms in Tana River County./STEPHEN ASTARIKO 

Police officers assemble some of the firearms recovered during the ongoing disarmament operation targeting illegally held firearms in Tana River County./STEPHEN ASTARIKO 

Some of the firearms recovered during the ongoing disarmament operation targeting illegally held firearms in Tana River County./STEPHEN ASTARIKO 

Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dismantling criminal gangs operating in the Northeastern and Coastal regions.

Speaking to the press at Madogo Police Station in Bangali Sub-County Tana River County, Thursday, shortly after officiating the graduation ceremony of 482 National Police Reservists (NPRs) recruited from Lamu and Tana River counties.

During his visit, the DIG also reviewed the ongoing disarmament operation targeting illegally held firearms in Tana River County, an exercise initiated following recent deadly inter-clan conflicts.

He emphasized that the deployment of the newly trained reservists would significantly strengthen security efforts in the region and urged them to carry out their duties with honesty and professionalism.

“Our goal is to actively involve the community in policing and ensure we effectively manage security challenges in this region. Today marks an important milestone because these reservists will support security operations, particularly in addressing banditry, terrorism, and livestock theft,” Lagat stated.

He added that the NPR officers serve as the first responders in times of insecurity, noting their critical role in intelligence gathering and community protection.

“I expect a noticeable improvement in response. The reservists are instrumental in providing timely intelligence and safeguarding their communities,” he said.

At the same time, the DIG cautioned that authorities would resort to a compulsory disarmament exercise if residents fail to surrender illegal firearms within the ongoing 60-day amnesty period, which ends on the 22nd of next month.

According to Lagat, nine illegal firearms have already been voluntarily handed over to security agencies in Bangali Sub-County.

“The recovery of these firearms demonstrates the strong collaboration between the police and the community, particularly after the regional security committee issued a 60-day ultimatum for voluntary surrender. This shows that the residents desire lasting peace,” he noted.

He reiterated that security agencies would continue to take firm action against criminal gangs, including terror-related groups, stressing that peace and stability remain a top priority.

“We want criminals to know that we will deal with them decisively and with the force they understand. Peace is non-negotiable, and we will ensure it is maintained,” Lagat added.

The DIG was accompanied by Northeastern Regional Police Commander Papita Ranka, Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno, National Police Reservists Director Kenneth Kimani, and other senior police officials.