Garissa warns of stern action as criminals are hunted down

Authorities in Garissa have issued a firm ultimatum to criminal gangs terrorizing the community, declaring that lawlessness will no longer be tolerated. Mohamed Mwabudzo, the County Commissioner, said the government has already made substantial progress, arresting suspects linked to a spate of violent robberies, stabbings, and muggings.
The crackdown comes amid alarming statistics: Mwabudzo revealed that a day hardly passes by without reports of attacks.
Many of those arrested are youths, aged between 15 and 25 — a demographic that officials say accounts for a growing share of violent offences. The message, delivered during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kunaso Grounds, urged chiefs, assistant county commissioners, and deputy commissioners to work hand‑in‑hand with security agencies to identify, apprehend and charge offenders.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the resolve, though some remain cautious: memories of previous crackdowns that faded without lasting impact make many skeptical. Still, for some, the promise of renewed vigilance brings hope that the cycle of violence might be broken. Community elders and officials also appealed to parents and guardians, emphasising that discipline and moral guidance must begin at home — not just in the streets.
If the current push is sustained, with cooperation between security agencies, local administrators and community members, Garissa could see a meaningful drop in violent crime. Restoring safety will likely hinge on consistent arrests, proper prosecution of suspects, and social interventions addressing youth unemployment and underlying causes of crime. The coming weeks will test whether the government’s vow leads to tangible change or becomes yet another fleeting promise.