KENYA: Catholic Diocese of Maralal Commemorates the Baragoi Massacre
Thursday
November 12th 2015 marked the third anniversary of the killing of
the 42 police officer and National Reservists in the Suguta Valley of Samburu
County. However, the day passed without many people in Kenya taking notice,
save for the family members and friends of the victims as well as the people of
Samburu County.
November 12th 2015 marked the third anniversary of the killing of
the 42 police officer and National Reservists in the Suguta Valley of Samburu
County. However, the day passed without many people in Kenya taking notice,
save for the family members and friends of the victims as well as the people of
Samburu County.
The Catholic
Diocese of Maralal had organized an anniversary celebration which was however
well attended by the conflicting communities from around the county as well as
security personnel.
Diocese of Maralal had organized an anniversary celebration which was however
well attended by the conflicting communities from around the county as well as
security personnel.
Speaking toAMECEA Online News from Maralal, the Diocesan Caritas Director Mr. Evans
Onyiego said that the event brought members of different communities together
as well as security leaders led by Deputy Inspector General of the Administration
Police Service Mr. Samuel M. Arachi, MBS, various Religious leaders as well as
community leaders.
“Initially
the Diocese had intended to celebrate Holy Mass for the commemoration but since
the turn out included various faith groups, we opted to do interfaith prayers.
Other activities included speeches from various leaders; security forces parade
as well as lighting of candles and laying flowers at the scene,” he said adding
that the Diocese had done a peace monument to commemorate the death of the
policemen.
the Diocese had intended to celebrate Holy Mass for the commemoration but since
the turn out included various faith groups, we opted to do interfaith prayers.
Other activities included speeches from various leaders; security forces parade
as well as lighting of candles and laying flowers at the scene,” he said adding
that the Diocese had done a peace monument to commemorate the death of the
policemen.
Serious
concerns over illegal firearms in the hands of civilians were raised during the
event. “Even though the government has created the Kenya Police Reservists, security
operators do not know who has a gun and who doesn’t. Because of this the police
are not able to respond because while they are using the G3 and AK 47, the
communities have G3, AK 47 and above all they have M16. So in terms of power,
the police and the community have equal power and in addition, they also have
the advantage of understanding the terrain, as opposed to the police of whom
the majority are new in the area,” he explained.
concerns over illegal firearms in the hands of civilians were raised during the
event. “Even though the government has created the Kenya Police Reservists, security
operators do not know who has a gun and who doesn’t. Because of this the police
are not able to respond because while they are using the G3 and AK 47, the
communities have G3, AK 47 and above all they have M16. So in terms of power,
the police and the community have equal power and in addition, they also have
the advantage of understanding the terrain, as opposed to the police of whom
the majority are new in the area,” he explained.
It was also
observed that there is lapse in the security system as many people tend to take
law in their own hands especially when handling issues of theft and cattle
rustling. He added that the government representatives present at the occasion
promised to beef up security in the area
observed that there is lapse in the security system as many people tend to take
law in their own hands especially when handling issues of theft and cattle
rustling. He added that the government representatives present at the occasion
promised to beef up security in the area
He also said
that there was a serious call on the community to respect security enforcement
officers as they are just there to ensure peace and security.
that there was a serious call on the community to respect security enforcement
officers as they are just there to ensure peace and security.
By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News
