Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, during a meeting in Eldoret City /MATHEWS NDANYI
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley
Rotich has announced the reopening of all markets in the Kerio Valley, more
than two years after they were shut down over insecurity.
He said agencies have made strides to secure the region courtesy of ongoing security operations and voluntary surrender of illegal firearms.
“Our people are now sleeping safely in their homes because there are no bandits to cause mayhem,” he said.
Rotich said county officials have been directed to facilitate the reopening of the markets.
Once known as the valley of death, Rotich said the region has transformed into a valley of opportunity.
“All Kenyans will be able to live peacefully here and help tap the hidden
potential of this agriculturally rich region,” he said, noting that the county
is courting investors, particularly in fruit processing.
The move comes as the government prepares to launch a major youth empowerment programme in Kerio Valley.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said the initiative will target young people who have reformed and abandoned cattle rustling.
President William Ruto is expected
to visit the region to launch the programme once the disarmament exercise is
completed.
Murkomen said more than 100
illegal guns have been surrendered in recent days—50 on Saturday, 45 on Friday
and 20 on Thursday—signaling what he called “a near end to banditry".
“We know where all the illegal guns are and we ask those still holding them to surrender before we come for them,” he said.
“President Ruto pledged that his regime will be the one to wipe
out banditry and that promise is now being achieved.”
The government has set aside more than Sh1 billion to open up the entire region, particularly previously inaccessible areas such as Tiaty.
Murkomen said additional infrastructure would ensure
bandits have “no place to hide.”
The CS spoke in Cherangany, Trans
Nzoia county, where he was accompanied by governors Jonathan Bii (Uasin Gishu)
and Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet), MPs Joseph Wainaina and Oscar Sudi and
Woman Representative Caroline Ngelechei.
The leaders praised progress made in restoring peace.
Sudi urged those still in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them voluntarily before the state resorts to force.
Rotich praised the government’s resolve, saying: “Our people in Kerio
Valley can now live peacefully like other Kenyans.”
Instant analysis
The reopening of markets in Kerio Valley marks a symbolic turning point in Kenya’s long fight against banditry. For years, insecurity strangled trade and turned the valley into a no-go zone, deepening poverty and fueling cycles of violence. Now, with hundreds of illegal guns surrendered and security operations showing results, leaders are betting on economic revival as the ultimate antidote to conflict. Yet, sustaining peace will depend on more than force. The promised Sh1 billion youth empowerment plan and investments in agribusiness could anchor lasting stability—if they reach ordinary residents. Without tangible benefits, old grievances risk resurfacing.
