County commissioners, chiefs and their assistants in North rift counties must apprehend those in their own ranks collaborating with and sharing intelligence with the bandits.
They must recover stolen livestock.
The CS last week camped in North Rift counties of Baringo, Samburu, Pokot and Samburu to assess the progress of the joint police and military operation against bandits.
He presided over the passing out parade of new police reserve recruits and oversaw the passing parade of new police reserve recruits. He also oversaw disarmament.
In the ongoing operation in six North Rift Counties, 148 guns have been recovered, 96 guns have been surrendered from Samburu.
“I commend the people of Samburu and ask people in other counties to either voluntarily surrender the guns, or they will be disarmed.”
He said 75 goats and cows were recovered.
Kindiki ordered county commissioners take lead in the drive to restore peace in the areas but not be at the forefront of any operations.
They should volunteer any information they have to the security teams, he said.
“County commissioners in the six counties must take the lead in recovery of any stolen livestock. They are the chairpersons of the security committees. Political leaders cannot be at the forefront in the livestock recovery operation. They can only give such information to the security team,” he said.
And to ensure success of the security restoration drive in the region, the CS said that the state was investing Sh20 billion in modernising equipment to ensure they are effective in combating bandits without suffering serious harm.
“The Government will invest Sh20 billion in modernising equipment for our security officers. We must put bandits in one corner and not expose our officers to be hurt by these criminals.”
He said, “Anyone supporting banditry, murder, livestock theft, and acts of criminality, your days are numbered. We will upscale the accountability and tighten the measures taken against banditry. No one will be spared.”
The pressure on administration officials will involve interdicting, dismissing and prosecuting them if they dare collaborate with the suspected bandits, he said.
He announced interdiction of a local chief on suspicion of collaboration and is due to be arraigned on Monday.
“The Government has interdicted Charles Lopoda, the assistant chief of Mukemar sublocation. He will be arrested today (Sunday) and charged on Monday. Any Government officer aiding or abetting banditry and cattle rustling will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he announced.
"So far, we have arrested 31 people, the CS said. Next week, I'll issue a statement listing their names and the charges they are facing.
(Edited by V. Graham)
