• He wants support to farmers to ensure they resume agricultural activities and other businesses once the KDF-backed security operation completely eliminates banditry.
• Rotich called for establishment of a permanent military camp in Kerio Valley.
Image: MATHEWS NDANYI
Governor for Elgeyo Marakwet Wesley Rotich has proposed establishment of boarding schools in Kerio Valley amongst other institutions and structures to provide permanent solutions to banditry.
He also wants support to farmers to ensure they resume agricultural activities and other businesses once the ongoing KDF-backed security operation completely eliminates banditry.
Speaking at Kolowa in the county during a peace meeting on Saturday, Rotich called for establishment of a permanent military camp in Kerio Valley and relocation of General Service Unit and Anti-Stock Theft Unit camps to areas on Kerio River, the border between counties in the region.
“Establishment of boarding schools in Tiaty area and other regions to reduce illiteracy. We also want the revival of Tot-Kolowa irrigation scheme to boost food production,"Rotich said.
CS for Interior Kithure Kindiki who toured the area two days ago said a permanent security camp with more than 400 officers had been set up at Kolowa.
"The camp here will exist forever. This camp after the operation will continue to operate so people in this area are safe," Kindki said.
He said the government had deployed a specialised and highly trained team of officers able to deal with the most complicated crimes, including banditry.
The CS added that the criminals had been flushed out of their dens, including ravines and gorges in Kerio Valley
Kindiki praised Governor Rotich for his efforts in tackling banditry in Kerio Valley.
He said the governor has been on a tireless peace mission that, according to him, had threatened the population.
The CS said Governor Rotich had dedicated his energy to peace building.
"Governor, I would like to commend you for the efforts. You have played a key role in ensuring there is peace in Kerio Valley,"
Rotich has set up a peace office within his office and Kindiki said the county boss had demonstrated his seriousness and willingness to support peace-building.
The governor thanked the CS for sending special forces to tackle the bandits he said had caused deaths and disrupted both national and county programmes.
"The new strategy you have adopted is welcome. We have presented this to the previous regimes and I am happy that your office has embraced our suggestions," Rotich said.
He said his administration will offer seeds to residents so they can go back to their farms for food production.
(Edited by V. Graham)