• MPs said curfew has been useful in restoring peace in the region where bandits had been on the rampage with attacks.
• No serious attacks have been reported in the region since June 8following a visit by CS for interior Fred Matiang'i.
Image: FILE
Politicians and residents are pressuring the government to lift the curfew imposed on parts of Kerio Valley ahead of the August 9 polls.
MPs led by William Kisang of Marakwet West and Bowen Kangogo of Marakwet East said the curfew has been useful in restoring peace where bandits used to rampage.
No serious attacks have been reported in the region since June 8, following a visit by CS for Interior Fred Matiang'i who imposed tough security measures.
The curfew he imposed is expected to expire on August 7, just two days to the polls, on August 9. The dusk-to-dawn curfew runs for 12 hours.
Community representatives led by Donald Kibet said they had petitioned CS Matiang'i to lift the curfew before the polls.
“We are happy with the security measures put in place but we urge the curfew be lifted so tour people will be free to participate in the election process," Kibet said.
Kisang and Kangogo want residents to freely participate in the polls despite tough security.
An additional 250 security officers will be deployed in Kerio Valley to enhance safety during the general election.
The security teams will be deployed in populated areas and around areas that will be used as polling centres.
The region, especially bordering West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties have been stricken by banditry attacks before the government moved in three weeks ago to restore order.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos and his West Pokot counterpart John Lonyangapuo have also expressed satisfaction with measures to restore security.
“We have asked the Interior ministry to deploy additional security teams so as we head to the elections, all our people will be safe to participate in the Polling," Tolgos said.
Rift Valley regional commissioner Maalim Mohammed said security had been enhanced in all areas in the valley.
“We will continue to review the situation and ensure we do not have insecurity challenges again, especially during the elections period," Mohammed said.
The curfew orders affect areas in Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Baringo counties.
Mohammed said the extension was meant to ensure full implementation of the measures to help end banditry which had claimed more than 110 lives in six months.
“We still have some work to do so that we ensure complete safety of our people in Kerio Valley," Mohammed said.
He said the curfew had been strictly enforced.
Measures introduced by CS Matiang'i to help curb banditry have helped to stop attacks in the last three weeks.
Mohammed said police also stepped up security measures including patrols and enforcement of curfew.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos said the measures are bearing fruit and should be sustained during and after the polling.
Violence discourages many people from voting for fear they will be attacked.
“We want total safety in Kerio Valley so that our people will freely be able to participate in the elections," Tolgos said.
(Edited by V. Graham)