Garissa town has witnessed a return to calm during Ramadhan, following weeks of heightened insecurity that had left residents anxious and disrupted daily life.
In the weeks leading up to Ramadhan, the township experienced a surge in criminal activity, including killings, muggings, stabbings and break-ins targeting local businesses.
Some offenders were reportedly armed, intensifying fear across the community. Many businesses, particularly those on the outskirts where incidents were most frequent, were forced to close as early as 6pm.
The escalating insecurity prompted security agencies to intensify operations, resulting in the arrest of several suspects, who have since been taken to court.
Concerned about worshippers’ safety, officials from the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem), together with local religious leaders, issued a statement ahead of Ramadhan urging authorities to act urgently.
They warned that failure to address the situation could prevent Muslims from attending prayers, particularly the nightly prayers central to Ramadhan observance.
In response, top security officials assured residents that decisive measures were being taken to restore peace, pledging that worshippers could carry out their religious obligations without fear.
Police reports indicate the efforts have borne fruit, with no major security incidents recorded in the past month.
Garissa County Peace Committee chairman Hassan Osman commended security agencies for their swift and coordinated response. He said their efforts had enabled residents to observe the sacred period safely.
“On behalf of the Garissa Peace Committee, I want to commend our security apparatus for working round the clock to ensure peace and security are maintained. We all know what the situation looked like not long ago,” he said in Garissa town.
Osman recalled the severity of the crisis, noting that residents could barely go about their daily activities without fear.
“Citizens could no longer go about their business for fear of being attacked, maimed, or, in worse cases, killed. Mothers were being robbed in broad daylight and boda boda operators were being killed and their motorcycles stolen,” he said.
Osman, however, cautioned against complacency, urging continued collaboration between security agencies and the public to sustain the gains achieved.
“As we approach the end of Ramadhan, I urge our security apparatus to ensure continuity of their work. We should not rest on our laurels. The same criminals who were terrorising wananchi are still out there,” he said.
Osman said vigilance and community cooperation will be key to maintaining peace beyond Ramadhan.
Supkem treasurer Hassan Abdi also praised the security forces for improving the town’s safety.
“The town had been turned upside down by criminals, who were now calling the shots. Residents were unable to carry out normal activities due to attacks, robberies and injuries. The situation was dire,” he said.
“We have every reason to commend the police for their efforts, which have restored a sense of security. We can only hope and pray that they maintain these standards.”
Abdi said parents also have a role to play in monitoring and guiding their children.
