The security operation to flush out bandits from private ranches and restore order in Laikipia is proceeding well, Rift Valley regional commissioner George Natembeya has said.
In what seems to be an about-turn from his earlier statement that bandits in the area were using sophisticated weapons, Natembeya said the only remaining challenge for the multiagency security team is how to manoeuvre in some of the remote areas.
He noted that the few marauding gangs who have been moving around the vast ranches with illicit firearms frustrating security operations have all been flushed out.
“We are proceeding well and you know this is not a one day thing. It is going to take some bit of time before we achieve total serenity in the area. The few challenges will come to an end in the next two to three months,” Natembeya said.
He was speaking in Bomet on Tuesday when he toured the county to inspect national government projects under implementation in the area.
He also opened the newly completed county commander’s offices.
Natembeya exuded confidence that normalcy will soon be restored calling on leaders to avoid inciting locals and instead preach peace.
Tension has been high in some areas which include Miteta, Mirando, Wangwaci and Ol Moran with residents being forced to flee for fear of being attacked by armed gangs.
Some schools were also burnt forcing the government to deploy security officers and declare Laikipia North and Laikipia West disturbed zones.
Early this month, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the affected areas and directed that anyone who illegally moved their animals into the conflict zone, including politicians, to remove them.
On the school transition programme in the region, the official stated 85 per centhas been attained.
He said there were challenges in implementing the programme in the North Rift due to security issues and the rising water levels in some counties, such as Baringo.
