Taking a wider view of our security problems

Security has dominated news in the last few months: from terrorist attacks in Mandera, public stripping of women to the resignation and replacement of top officials.

Given this focus, it is notable how some incidents – and debates around them – have attracted little attention.

An example is the disarmament in Baringo and the insecurity and protest in Turkana County.

So, what has been going on in these areas and why do they deserve more attention?

The disarmament followed the killing of 22 policemen in October.

During the mop-up, rumours abounded of abuses by the military: from razing of houses and looting to harassment of residents and disruption of food supplies.

Information is, however, scarce given that the area was declared a media no-go zone.

GUNS CAN BE BOUGHT

History has taught us that such operations are unsuccessful in the long run.

Guns can be bought when security is not provided and neighbouring communities are not disarmed apace.

Moreover, collective punishment of a community for the crimes of a few fuels grievances.

It makes the communities more suspicious of the government and security services. 

But this is not the only issue that has attracted little public debate.

Last week, over 5,000 travellers were stranded in Kainuk, Turkana County when residents blocked a road to protest the killing of three people. 

This was not the first time residents have protested against insecurity.

In March, they blocked the same section of the road to protest security officers’ poor response to a large raid in which four people were killed and many animals stolen.

While police failed to respond to the initial raid, they arrived at the protest site in hours, fuelling narratives that the government does not care about the lives and livelihoods of locals but will ensure ‘development’, and especially oil extraction, goes ahead without a hitch.

GAINED LITTLE ATTENTION

Given the history of these areas, and developments in other parts of the country, it is not surprising that these incidents have gained little attention.

This is dangerous for a number of reasons.

First, there has been an increase in insecurity in the areas.

The reasons are complex, but include devolution, which seems to have exacerbated tensions, especially along the border.

Oil is also an issue as some Pokot lay claim to land in Turkana County and conduct raids, pushing the Turkana into the hinterland.

Cattle rustling has become ‘land rustling’.

There is also an insecurity cycle in place. Local grievances and frustrations prompt raids and demonstrations, and an uneven, biased and strong-armed security response strengthens narratives of frustration and marginalisation.

Second, while these areas have historically been geographically and economically ‘marginal’, and have thus been easy to ignore, oil and new projects means they are no longer on the periphery. Instead, they are becoming central to Kenya’s development, meaning insecurity there will have great impact on the nation’s political economy.

Third, the neglect of these areas skews the security debate towards ‘terrorism’ in unhelpful ways.

In short, the label ‘terrorist’ helps legitimise a strong-armed response and draws attention away from local grievances that encourage people to take up arms.

A wider analysis of different forms of ‘insecurity’ across the country would help highlight similarities — as well as differences — that could help inform a better response.

Finally, victims in these areas are Kenyans and deserve the same right to security as fellow citizens. 

Gabrielle Lynch is an Associate Professor of Comparative Poliitics, University of Warwick, UK ([email protected]; @GabrielleLynch6)