Two of Kerio Valley’s most wanted bandits surrender to police
The suspects handed in two AK-47 rifles, 21 bullets, and police uniforms.
5d agoBY MATHEWS NDANYIRift-valley
Ten of the most wanted bandits in Kerio Valley have surrendered to police and handed over their guns amid the ongoing security operation in the region.
In the past month alone, police have recovered 10 guns, bullets and other items used in banditry attacks from the surrendered suspects.
More bandits are expected to present themselves at police stations as security teams tighten the noose around those behind deadly cattle rustling attacks.
In the latest incident, two of the most wanted bandits surrendered on Wednesday in Marakwet West. They handed in two AK-47 rifles, 21 bullets and police uniforms at Kabetwa in Marakwet West.
Elgeyo Marakwet county police commander Benson Mulinge said the two suspects are now in police custody. “They were the two most wanted criminals linked to banditry and they came in themselves and handed over the guns,” Mulinge said.
He added that the suspects had been pursued by a special police unit for over two months but opted to surrender.
Mulinge noted that 10 wanted bandits had surrendered in recent weeks, giving in their weapons to security teams.
“We are warning all those who are still out there to surrender before we get them,” he said.
According to Mulinge, the security situation in Kerio Valley has improved significantly in recent weeks, with residents now enjoying better safety. The government launched a major security operation in the region earlier this year following the killing of Catholic priest Fr Allois Bett.
Security chiefs led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen have been camping in the region to oversee the operation.
Mulinge said police are working with local communities to ensure lasting peace. “This is very positive progress and we are hoping to make more gains in the near future so that our people can enjoy lasting peace and security,” he said.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich expressed support for the security operation and urged resident to cooperate with police.
He noted that cases of banditry had sharply declined, raising renewed hopes for development in the region.
