Gunmen killed at least six people in this Kwa Chege hotel in Garissa County on April 18,2013. Photo/CORRESPONDENT  NATION MEDIA GROUP
President Uhuru Kenyatta has dispatched and directed the country’s security chiefs to investigate the Garissa killings and apprehend those responsible.

In a statement from the Office of the President, Mr Kenyatta said a report on the same should be handed to him by Monday.

“The President has directed all top security chiefs to go to Garissa today and get to the bottom of Garissa killings once and for all and do whatever should be done to apprehend the notorious criminal cell operating within Garissa and the Refugee Camps,” said the statement.

Adding: “I am concerned about the continued wanton killing of innocent people including security officers who were targeted, ‘this must stop once and for all.”
Area leaders, Mr Kenyatta said must support security agencies in the operation to weed out the criminals.

Internal Security PS Mutea Iringo, Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo, CID boss Ndegwa Muhoro and NIS Director Michael Gichangi will meet with local authorities to resolve the issue.

President Kenyatta wants a report on Monday while action should be taken immediately.

While sending his condolences, he said the government will foot burial costs for those who were killed and waive hospital bills for those admitted after the attack.
“The government will assist families of the deceased with burial costs and waive hospital fees for those admitted,” read the statement by Head of Public Service Francis Kimemia on behalf of the president.

At least nine people were killed on Thursday evening when gunmen stormed Kwa Chege hotel off Jamia Mosque road and opened fire at close range with AK 47 rifles, killing six on the spot.

Three people later succumbed to gunshot injuries.

Police say the gunmen escaped soon after the attack and motive of attack is yet to be established.

Witnesses said the attack happened at 7.30pm as revellers were watching evening news.

North Eastern PPO Charlton Muriithi while confirming the attack said that an operation was underway.

Earlier this month, a student was shot dead and three people injured in an attack by gunmen said to have targeted a kiosk dealer in the town.

Similar attacks have occurred in the town in north eastern part of Kenya; most of them targeting police officers on duty.

Early this month, two police officers were shot dead near the local Post Office by gunmen.

In this incident, witnesses said the attackers first threw a grenade at nine officers who were in a group before shooting at them.