Police cry out over delayed allowances, poor equipment

Police officers taking part in a security operation in Mandera County have complained of delayed allowances.

A number of officers who spoke to the Nation on Tuesday said they had been forgotten after they were deployed to the county to stem a wave of terrorist attacks that have left scores dead in the region.

The group comprises officers from the administration and regular police units.

 “Since we arrived here a week ago,  we have only eaten once at the police canteen before instructions were given that every officer has to depend on his pocket,” said an officer who requested not be named for fear of victimisation.

SERIOUS FIREPOWER

The policeman said they had information the government had sent money for the operation but their seniors were still, inexplicably, holding onto it.

The officers also asked the government to supply them with better weapons because what they were using at the moment were no match for the Al-Shabaab militants’ firepower.

“We need M16 and more serious firearms to protect this town or else we shall keep hiding whenever these thugs strike and destroy the town and  kill people,” he said.

Mandera East Peace Committee chairman Suleiman Issack warned during a public rally on Monday that the militants were gradually taking over Mandera town.

“Mandera town is now left to the Al-Shabaab militants who roam the streets at night terrorising innocent people as our police hide because they are poorly equipped,” said Mr Issack.

Mandera Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Reuben Njue denied media reports that the church had closed down due to insecurity.