In the small village of Ruqa, nestled away in the Garissa County, a change occurred. It went from silent concerns to silent confidence, all because of the Kenya Defence Forces officers who came through with their security patrol.
This week, the KDF patrol had one goal: to enhance national security, supporting other security agencies to ensure that the area stays peaceful, especially in areas that have been known to experience disturbances in the past.
For the residents of Ruqa, the KDF patrol meant so much more than security. It meant safety, that all is well, and that the area is becoming safer. This is because the area is mainly pastoral, with the residents relying on the animals that they rear.
The KDF officers not only came with their patrol but also sat with the residents, engaging them in talks. This meant a lot to the residents because it gave them the platform to air their concerns regarding their day-to-day activities.
It is evident that the residents appreciate the efforts of the KDF, as one of them noted, “It’s really reassuring to see them here. We feel safer. The area is really calm.”
The KDF officers also came with a surprise, a medical camp where residents who need basic medical attention could seek it. This meant that the residents did not have to travel to faraway clinics, bringing relief to many.
This shows that the KDF officers care not only about the security of the residents but also their well-being. This visit brought the residents closer to the security teams, who now understand each other.
This, according to the residents, is a form of communication, which is vital to the maintenance of peace. With the security operations going on in the Garissa County, the residents of Ruqa feel that the bond between them and the security forces will result in the maintenance of peace.