Ijara MP Ibrahim Abass has called on the government to conduct the ongoing security operation in Boni forest without victimising innocent local residents.
The legislator, whose constituency occupies large sections of the forest, said that the operation can be done without asking local residents to vacate their homes.
“The government has enough machinery to ensure these illegal militants are flushed out without harming area residents or ordering them to leave their homes,” he said.
He added, “The government can do area surveillance before flushing out the militants from the area. As local leaders, we have reservations about any operation that may victimise people under the guise of fighting terrorism.”
The Orange Democratic Movement legislator expressed concern about the directive on residents of the forest to leave saying many pastoralists in Garissa County are currently relying on the forest to graze their livestock.
“The entire livestock of people of Ijara is in Boni Forest especially at this current dry season. It is unfair to tell local people to vacate a place that’s their only hope of sustenance for their livestock for grazing land and pastures,” he said.
The lawmaker said while leaders in the region support efforts to combat Al Shabaab militants operating from the forest they have reservations about the manner in which the operation is being handled.
Mr Abass said that if the operation victimises local population and negatively affects their economic activities, it may undermine efforts to combat Al Shabaab who are operating in the area.
A security operation involving the military and police is already underway in Boni Forest, with many residents fleeing their homes for fear of being victimised by the security forces as they hunt for Al Shabaab militants.
Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett declared the vast forest a dangerous area in a Gazette notice dated September 3, and asked residents in and around it to surrender ammunition and firearms, whether legal or illegal, and vacate.
The directive affects areas surrounding Holugho border point, Galmagala, Sangailu, Ijara, Masalani, Bodhei, Milimani, Basuba, Kiunga, Maralani, Baurre and Ishakani.
The operation, according to the Inspector General, is expected to remain in force for a period of 90 days subject of extension.
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