The GSU has been deployed in Kerio Valley to enforce an extended 12-hour night curfew ordered by Interior CS Fred Matiang'i.
Matiang'i issued the extended curfew orders banning all movement in areas affected by banditry in parts of West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties.
Elgeyo Marakwet county commissioner Omar Hassan said the curfew orders were being enforced fully.
“The orders are aimed at ensuring we deal with criminals who have been terrorising residents in the affected areas,” he said. The insecurity problem has affected learning in some schools in the area including at Tot primary and secondary schools.
Matiang'i in a gazette notice has banned movement of individuals or groups in affected areas between 6pm and 6am.
Matiang'i said the curfew orders had been put in place in view of the serious threat posed to security and public order by disturbances occurring in affected areas of the three counties.
The extended curfew orders will run from August 7, 2021 for two months.
Several people have been killed along the borders of the three counties following renewed banditry attacks and the government had issued a notice to criminals to surrender or be dealt with.
The curfew order will enable the police to tackle the insecurity in the areas where at least ten people have been killed by bandits in the last three weeks.
“Under the order there shall be no public gatherings, processions or movements either alone or as a group during the period of the curfew except if permitted in writing by the Inspector General of Police,” said Matiangi’s order.
The curfew order will apply in several areas including Kolowa and Ngoron divisions in Tiaty sub county of Baringo county.
It will also apply in Tot and Chesongoch divisions on Marwket East subcounty in Elgegeyo Marakwet and Sekerot and Cheptulel locations of Pokot Central subcounty in West Pokot.
Leaders in the region have demanded that Matiang'i should take action to stop the killings by bandits and end the insecurity problem that has paralysed life in Kerio Valley for a long period.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos said they would hold more peace meetings along the borders between the counties.
Former IG David Kimaiyo and retired chief Ben Kiptoo said the government must look into the problem of underdevelopment and lack of schools in some of the counties affected by the banditry. Kimaiyo said political leaders must also commit themselves to supporting sustainable peace and security in the region.
“The government should ensure that among other measures we have adequate schools in all the affected counties and that children from the affected communities learn together as part of integrating them to live together,” Kimaiyo said.
Edited by Henry Makori
