Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere has called on residents to help security agencies flush out criminals and their local collaborators.
Korere said community
cooperation is critical in tackling livestock theft and banditry in the
vast pastoral constituency.
Speaking during the commissioning of police housing units in Ethi location,
Korere said cattle rustlers from neighbouring counties often rely on local
informants to identify homes with livestock, making it difficult to curb the
crime without public support.
"There is no way a criminal can come all the way from Samburu and know
which homestead has cattle and which one does not without help of people from within the community. We must identify and report those collaborating with the
thieves because they are the ones facilitating these attacks," Korere said.
The lawmaker said security operations being undertaken in the
Mukogodo Forest should be complemented by residents exposing suspects within
their own communities.
The MP also defended the government's decision to strengthen the National
Police Reservists (NPR) programme, dismissing criticism from some quarters over
the recruitment and arming of reservists.
"The firearms issued to the National Police Reservists are not enough
and I will continue pushing for more. Ethi has already received some and seven
additional recruits have been vetted. They will soon undergo training before
being issued with NPR firearms," she said.
Laikipia North has witnessed a string of livestock theft incidents this
year.
On February 10, the government launched a major multi-agency security operation in Mukogodo Forest after bandits attacked the Upper Naibung'a National Police Reservists camp.
The attackers injured reservists and stole more than 1,000 sheep and goats and over 200 cattle from neighbouring villages.
In April, security officers recovered 10 stolen cattle during an operation in Mukogodo, while in July a multi-agency team recovered 80 stolen animals, comprising 35 cattle and 45 sheep and goats, after pursuing suspected bandits in the Kopoi area.
Korere spoke when she commissioned newly constructed police
housing units at Ethi that were funded by the National Government Constituencies
Development Fund (NG-CDF). The houses are expected to improve the welfare of
officers and strengthen security operations in the area.
Korere said providing decent accommodation for police officers will enhance their presence in the locality and improve response to security incidents, particularly in remote areas that have experienced recurring cases of livestock theft.
Ethi chief Paul Wangai said the new houses had relieved officers from operating and living in cramped office space that was originally meant to serve as a store.
"We had two police officers living in the small office meant to be a store. They have now moved into the new houses to give the officers decent accommodation," Wangai said.
Residents welcomed the completion of the housing units, saying officers will now remain stationed in the area and improve security patrols.
However, they appealed for the provision of a patrol vehicle, saying the lack of transport continues to hamper rapid response to security incidents across the expansive location.
"If possible, we are grateful that you have built houses for the police officers. We now ask that you also help them get a vehicle because it would greatly improve security in our area," a resident said.
