- The church says the use of guns and security force may not offer a long term solution to the banditry problem in the region.
- A KDF-led security operation has been going on for more than two years now.
Image: BY MATHEWS NDANYI
The Anglican Church of Kenya is urging the government to robustly engage communities in the North Rift as part of efforts to end banditry.
The church says the use of guns and security force may not offer a long term solution to the banditry problem in the region where a KDF-led security operation has been going on for more than two years now.
Bishop of the Eldoret diocese Dr Christopher Ruto and other clergy from the church have asked the government to fully involve residents in the affected areas of North rift to strengthen peace efforts.
“We appreciate government efforts to deal with the banditry menace but we also believe that the role of the affected communities should be strengthened so that we find lasting peace in Kerio Valley,” bishop Ruto said.
The bishop was speaking during the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of the new Sunday school building at the ACK St Mathews Cathedral in Eldoret.
Bishop Ruto said an all inclusive engagement with residents and other stakeholders without using violence, guns and other tools of destruction will be a better way to finding a lasting solution to the problems affecting the region.
Despite the ongoing KDF-led operation, banditry attacks have continued in affected counties which include West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Samburu.
Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla died a week ago in a plane crash while on a mission to visit KDF personnel deployed in the region.
“It’s sad that because of banditry we lost Gen Ogolla and other officers who were on a security related mission in that region. We have to stop banditry and end the death of our people,” Ruto said.
The bishop emphasised that it would be easier to understand the real issues in the region by listening to residents and involving them in efforts to restore peace and security.
He further urged the government to find a lasting solution to the challenge of land slides in parts of the country by stopping encroachment and ensuring the enforcement of laws to protect forests, wetlands and rivers.
"We have enough good laws. Let the laws be enforced so that during heavy rainfall, water in our rivers can flow to lakes and even oceans peacefully without causing floods or destroying anything," he said.
He called upon faithful to support the Sunday School project saying it will play a crucial role in shaping the younger generation for a better future.