The government has assured Kenyans in areas where a military operation to flush out bandits is set to begin that the exercise will be conducted in line with the law.
In a statement on Wednesday, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said that the fundamental rights and freedoms of residents in the targeted areas will not be violated during the ground and air assault on suspected bandits.
"The Government assures the public and all oversight agencies that no individual (will be) displaced from their home or places of habitual residence without support to settle elsewhere and lead their daily lives normally," Kindiki said.
The government has declared the counties of Samburu, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot and Laikipia as disturbed and dangerous owing to numerous and persistent incidents of violent bandit attacks.
Over 135 people have died in the hands of marauding bandits in the last seven months in the counties, including 20 security personnel.
Residents in marked areas where bandits are suspected to be hiding in caves, escarpments, forests, gorges and rugged terrain were ordered to vacate prior to the onset of the operation.
The last such ultimatum expired on Tuesday at 7.30pm.
The joint Security Operation is led by the National Police Service (NPS) with the assistance of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Deputy Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow is the Commander in charge of the operation.
Despite a heavy police presence in the marked areas, armed bandits have continued to attack, kill and rob residents before retreating to caves and forests from where they monitor the public and security personnel as they plan further attacks.
Kindiki said none of the specified areas constitutes habitual residences or villages ordinarily inhabited by law-abiding members of the public due to their remoteness.
As such, the CS said anyone found there beyond the amnesty period will be treated as a banditry suspect.
"After the bandits are flushed out, security personnel will dominate these spaces to ensure that they remain inaccessible to harbour bandits or any kind of criminals whatsoever," he said.
Kindiki said during the entire period of the operation, school activities will not be disrupted and members of the public will be treated with respect and dignity "without criminalizing innocent people".
