Security has been beefed up in Kisumu as thousands of Christians expected to converge on the city for Prophet David Owuor’s prayer.
County Commissioner John Elungata said security has been enhanced to ensure Kenyans are secured from any criminal activities. He said police officers on leave have been called back on duty as the county expect the population to double during the festive season.
“We want residents to enjoy their holidays in a secure place. Security is a collective responsibility. Let us be our brothers’ keeper,” he said during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kenyatta sports ground on Saturday.
Elungata, who chairs the county security meetings, said 1,200 police will be deployed from neighbouring counties to provide security.
“We have deployed more police officers during Christmas holidays and we will not condone any acts of lawlessness,” he said.
He said thousands faithful across the country among other nations are expected to stream into the Lake side city. The prayer is scheduled for December 28-January 4.
Last year, more than 10,000 people attended Owuor’s gathering in Kisumu with police having a hectic time to control the huge crowd. Kisumu is also lined to host Luo cultural festival, SMEs shopping festival exhibition, Kisumu Birth Day among other events. Elungata said the country is facing terror threats and asked residents to cooperate with police to flush out criminals.
The national security is paramount, and appealed to residents to support government initiatives to improve it, he said.
“Let us flush out these criminals from our midst, because as far as we are concerned there is no boundary dispute as common people live peacefully,” he said.
He asked locals to reject the terrorists’ attempts to divide them along religious lines. Elungata said locals should not be psyched by activities of the Al Shabaab, whose main agenda is dividing Christians from Muslims. The county commissioner also asked parents to take care of their children to prevent them from being lured into terrorism acts.
Elungata said the county government security department has also been involved in the patrols by providing vehicles and staff. He applauded community policing, which he said has also played an important role in promoting security in the region.
“We are impressed by the improving public-police relationship that has enabled us to get crucial security information from the public, and we will not disappoint them,” said Elungata.
He has also warned locals to be wary of illicit brews. People should not buy drinks which are not licensed and approved by Kebs, he said.
Elungata said drinks such as Flying Horse and Empire were being smuggled into the city. He also warned drivers against driving while drank saying NTSA will be on roads top deal with culprits.
The commissioner further directed entertainment joints, shopping malls and churches to enhance security at their premises.