According to a report by Nation Africa, authorities in Isiolo town have intensified their fight against crime by arresting 43 young people in an operation that targeted drug peddlers, muggers, illicit brew makers, and second-generation alcohol dealers.
The operation also saw the arrest of those found loitering past midnight as part of a wider effort to restore order in the town.
County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding confirmed the arrests and emphasized that the crackdown is aimed at making Isiolo safer for residents and businesses.
The arrests took place over the weekend, with security officers working closely with local leaders to track down suspects in areas known for high crime rates.
Police officers conducted raids in several locations, flushing out individuals believed to be behind rising cases of insecurity in Isiolo.
The arrested individuals are now in custody, and authorities say they will be presented in court once investigations are complete.
As part of the operation, security in Isiolo has been reinforced, with more police patrols deployed across the town to deter criminal activities. Authorities are keen on maintaining peace and ensuring that criminals do not regain control of the streets.
This move follows growing concerns over increasing cases of theft, drug abuse, and violent crimes, which have made some parts of Isiolo unsafe, especially at night.
The crackdown comes shortly after the arrest of Sadam Buke, a youth suspected of being a key link for the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Isiolo and Marsabit.
His capture was part of a larger security operation known as “Operation Ondoa Jangili,” which aims to dismantle criminal networks and reduce lawlessness in northern Kenya.
Officials believe that cracking down on crime at the local level will help disrupt any connections between young criminals and dangerous armed groups.
Residents of Isiolo have expressed mixed reactions to the latest arrests. Some community members support the initiative, saying it is necessary to curb insecurity and make the town safer.
Business owners, in particular, have welcomed the move, hoping that it will lead to a reduction in theft and violence.
However, others fear that innocent young people might have been unfairly caught in the operation.
There are concerns that some of those arrested may have been mistaken for criminals simply because they were out late at night.
Local leaders are calling on the police to ensure a fair and transparent process in handling the arrested individuals.
They want investigations to be thorough so that only those genuinely involved in crime face legal action.
