RUTHLESS tactics, including denial of water to Somalis, were used by the government in Wajir district to recover firearms in the 80s. According to evidence adduced before the TJRC, the then chairman of district security committee Manasseh Tiema, the denial of water forced the community to surrender firearms.
A brief to Kenya Intelligence Committee (KIC) by the DSC tabled before TJRC recommended a "concerted and ruthless effort" by the government to instill patriotism to Kenyan Somalis whose continued association with Somali's in Ethiopia and Somalia was linked to banditry. "They should be made to understand that Kenya is the best of the three countries. They should be discouraged from having any dealings with Somalia unless it is on legal and official terms," the DSC minutes signed by Tiema said.
The secret brief which was presented by Tiema and discussed by among others Bethuel Kiplagat and David Mwiraria proposed jamming Mogadishu radio frequency in the area and forbidding use of Somalia currency.
The brief also recommended "strengthening and penetration of Kanu" deep among the Somali's and introduction of a "propaganda programme" at VOK aiming at indoctrination of area masses to love their country.
The brief also blamed Ethiopia for supporting banditry in retaliation of Kenya's improved ties with Ethiopia, then its arch enemy: "As we know of late, Kenya's relations with Somalia has improved. This has annoyed Ethiopia and as a result banditry activities have shifted from our Somalia border to Ethiopian border. This means the bandits are now being supported by Ethiopia"
Source: AllAfrica
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