The Commander Kenya Army, Lt Gen Peter Njiru is the senior most military officer to visit troops under the Multi-agency operation in the North Rift, geared towards ending banditry.
He toured parts of Kainuk in Turkana County, Tot in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Chemolingot in Baringo County and Kirimon in Laikipia County Saturday.
This comes ahead of a planned operation in some areas in the region.
“This served as a morale booster to the troops in a bid to remain vigilant, alert and dedicated as they continue with their selfless service in flushing out banditry in their areas of responsibility,” the military said in a statement on Sunday.
Officials said his visit underscored the significance of KDF operating under “Operation Maliza Uhalifu” and their critical role in the operation.
During his visit, the commander met the students of Kerio Valley Boys Secondary School in Elgeyo Marakwet County where he encouraged them to work hard in their studies for a better future and also assured them of their safety and a safe environment for them to study.
Present during the visit were General Officer Western Command Maj Gen David Tarus, Deputy Inspector General-APS Noor Gabow who is leading the operation, and Assistant Inspector General-SOG Gilbert Masengele among others.
This comes as the government plans a second phase of an operation in some of the places there to get rid of bandits behind attacks.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki Sunday announced low altitude aircraft will not be allowed in parts of the North Rift from Monday, March 13.
The affected areas are Korkoron Hills, Tandare Valley and Silale Gorges in Baringo County, Mukogodo Forest; Kamwenje, Warero and Ndonyoriwo, Lekuruki Hills, Losos and Kiape Caves and Sieku Valley in Laikipia County and Ltungai Conservancy, Longewan, Nasuur, Lochokia and Lekadaar Escarpments, Lolmolok Caves, Pura Valley, Malaso Escarpment and Suguta Valley in Samburu County.
The other areas are Kapelbok, Nakwamoru, Lebokat, Ombollion, Nadome and Kamur caves in Turkana County, the Turkwell Escarpment at the interface of West Pokot and Turkana Counties.
“The above-specified spaces are hereby declared scenes of crime and any person found therein from Monday 13th March 2023 0830 hours will be treated as a suspect of armed banditry, or as a suspect of aiding and abetting banditry, or an accessory after the fact.”
He revealed the attackers are hiding at the bottom of gorges, escarpments, caves, ravines, hills and forests.
