Bishops and pastors in North Rift have condemned the banditry in Kerio Valley where more than 100 people have been killed in eight months.
The clergymen led by NCCK chairman for North Rift Rev Daniel Barno said the government and counties must take charge and lead the process of restoring security.
Barno said it was unfortunate that among those killed were innocent women and children.
“The people living in Kerio Valley have suffered for quite a long time and we now call upon the government to do everything in its power to end the senseless killings," Barno said.
He spoke in Eldoret at the end of a forum for clergy from the region who met under the NCCK to discuss preparedness for the August 9 elections.
Other clergy present included Rev Solomon Chelal, Rev Joseph Watila and Rev Grace Sugut. NCCK secretary general Reverend Chris Kinyanjui was also present.
Separately the Kenya National Commission on Human on Human Rightss said it will forward to Parliament recommendations on how government agencies can work to end insecurity in Kerio Valley
Kibet Kurgat from the commission said they had carried out a public inquiry in the region in 2016 and its findings form part of the advisory for Parliament.
He says currently they are working with counties and other agencies to deal with insecurity.
“We have prepared an advisory for Parliament and we hope after they discuss it they will come up with measures to help restore security," Kurgat said.
The government has already deployed teams from the ministries of education and interior to help schools in Kerio Valley prepare for KCPE exams that start next week.
More than 120 security officers will also be deployed in the region to secure schools that will be used as exam centres
Rift Valley regional commissioner Maalim Mohammed said there will be adequate security personnel to protect officials and candidates during both the KCPE and KCSE exams.
Union officials from Knutand Kuppet have insisted the security situation must be stepped up in the region ahead of the exams to avoid attacks by bandits.
The NCCK at the same time called for tolerance among political leaders and Kenyans during the ongoing election process so the country can sustain peace and unity.
Reverend Chelal said heated political campaigns should not be used to incite communities and cause animosity ahead of the August 9 polls.
Chelal says the use of hate speech and abusive language were on the increase and the NCIC should act faster to ensure those involved are brought to book.
The NCCK has also cautioned youth to avoid being misused to cause violence.
(Edited by V. Graham)
