The government on Wednesday sought assurance from North Rift MPs that they will shoulder more responsibility in the war against the banditry menace.
Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said this is one of the behind-the-scenes attempts to end the crimes and atrocities visited on innocent civilians and open the region to socioeconomic development.
“All we are seeking is an unwavering commitment to the peace cause. All these leaders have to bear responsibility, both individually and collectively,” Dr Omollo said.
He spoke during a consultative meeting with six of the legislators at Harambee House on Tuesday.
Omollo challenged the leaders to leverage their influence at the grassroots and help security agencies isolate the criminals from law-abiding citizens during the ongoing operation.
“Previous attempts to pacify the region have run into a wall of non-cooperation and resistance. It’s not just hard to force. We intend to deploy smart warfare and progressively deplete the enemy’s fighting force. The area leaders have a lot of influence, and we believe they are critical assets in this operation,” he said
The MPs, Julius Rutto (Kesses), David Kiplagat (Soi), Gideon Kimaiyo (Keiyo South), Abraham Kirwa (Mosop), Timothy Toroitich (Marakwet West) and Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), all committed to actively support the ongoing disarmament exercise and efforts to smoke out the bandits from their hideouts.
An operation is ongoing in the region and so far up to 150 assorted weapons and dozens of bullets recovered.
The military has joined the operation to help in fighting the bandits in the area.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki Sunday announced in the last seven months over 135 Kenyans, including 20 officers, have been killed by bandits.
