[PHOTOS] Ruto vows firm action on insecurity in ASAL areas

President William Ruto on Monday affirmed that insecurity in pastoralist counties must be brought to an end through firm actions.

Speaking when he attended the opening of an induction workshop of the Pastoralists' Parliamentary Group at KICC, Nairobi, Ruto said the government will deal firmly with drivers of illegal arms in Arid and Semi-Arid areas.

"We must bring cattle rustling, banditry, ethnic violence and other forms of insecurity to an end,” he said.

He said the move is necessary and urgent as it will nurture peace in these areas.

The President asked MPs from the affected regions to be involved in the process of fostering harmony and stability in Northern Kenya.

He said with stability, the region stands a greater chance of moving forward.

"We must press on with determination in advancing our agenda to unlock the potential of ASALs to mitigate the pastoral vulnerability,” Ruto said.

He assured the leaders of the government’s commitment to fully operationalise the Equalisation Fund, a kitty that aims to provide basic services such as water and roads to marginalised regions.

"We will bring the pastoral economy into play in a decisive and transformative way,” the President noted.

He further called on the electorate in the region to stop electing leaders on the basis of their clans but rather on their vision, plans and development credentials.

Also present during the induction was Defence CS and former Garissa Township MP Aden Duale.