- Kindiki announced a multi-pronged approach targeting a permanent end to cyclic conflicts that have dotted the region.
- The Kerio Valley stretch has in the past 13 years left up to 70 police officers and dozens of residents dead.
Image: JOSEPH KANGOGO
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has started a tour of the troubled North Rift as part of efforts to address the frequent insecurity incidents there.
The CS is also scheduled to visit parts of Marsabit county to witness the deteriorating situation, amid calls for continued operations in the region.
Dozens of people have been killed in the regions and others displaced in attacks by gunmen who also escaped with animals.This is despite efforts to contain the trend.
The government has deployed hundreds of officers in the regions as part of efforts to address the menace.
On November 18, Kindiki visited Samburu county and launched specialised training for 300 National Police Reservists who will complement special police units deployed to combat banditry and cattle rustling in the North Rift.
Kindiki, who was accompanied by local leaders, announced a multi-pronged approach targeting a permanent end to cyclic conflicts that have dotted the region.
North Rift chiefs and their assistants will also be armed subject to relevant training alongside a surge of deployed manpower with officers authorised to discharge maximum firepower against armed outlaws.
President William Ruto issued an order for security agencies to deal firmly, decisively and conclusively with those involved in the attacks and cattle rustling.
The Kerio Valley stretch has in the past 13 years left up to 70 police officers and dozens of residents dead. Several animals have also been stolen in the period.
Attempts by successive governments to rein in on the gangs in the volatile area have bore no fruit.
The most deadly attack was in 2009 where 40 officers were killed followed by the 2014 incident, where 21 others were killed in similar ambushes.
Ruto urged local leaders to engage their people in order to combat lawlessness, which has hampered education and development and caused tension among communities.
“We must do whatever it takes to bring peace to the North Rift. Many people are peaceful but there are a few criminals who must stop or we will force them to stop,” he said.
The President said the government is in the process of reopening schools in the region that had been closed due to insecurity.
“I visited the 20 affected schools, and they must reopen. We adore the people of this area. We are requesting that they leave the criminals to us. The question is not whether they will stop, but when,” he said.
Ruto regretted that banditry had contributed to the region’s food insecurity, leaving most households reliant on donations.
On the other hand, Kindiki is scheduled to visit parts of Marsabit on Wednesday to witness chaos there. He will engage local leaders in talks to find a solution to the persistent insecurity there.
The region is facing continuous attacks and counter attacks from gunmen over political differences and inter-communal clashes. Dozens of people have been killed and others displaced.
The government had launched an operation in the area in May in tandem with a disarmament exercise targeting illegal guns and ammunition.
This was after the National Security Council had decided to launch 'Operation Rejesha Amani Marsabit' following incessant inter-ethnic attacks that have defied peace initiatives and the lapse of the 30-day window sought by county leaders to secure reconciliation.
Special forces from different police units were among troops deployed to conduct a month-long operation for illegal guns and ammunition.
The animosity between the Borana and Gabra communities has progressively boiled over, amid concerns over political leaders who have frustrated previous attempts to pacify the area.
Rival groups have also been armed and transformed into competitive political militias meting out violence on innocent civilians in what has become one the costliest security challenges in the country.