Governors and other leaders in North Rift affected by banditry plan a fresh round of inter-community peace forums to back up the security operation against banditry.
Religious leaders, elders and other stakeholders will be take part in the peace forums in Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu and Baringo counties.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said they have briefed President William Ruto revival of peace initiatives and he expressed full support.
“We know the security operation will succeed and we want our people to always live in peace. That is why we are planning to have the peace forums so that we can talk together as leaders and communities,” Rotich said.
Previous peace initiatives had led to signing of peace accords between communities but they later collapsed. Rotich said once the security operation is completed, they are sure criminals will not terrorise residents again.
Other governors in the region including Simon Kachapin of West Pokot and Baringo’s Benjamin Cheboi have supported fresh efforts to strengthen inter-community peace, which had been destabilised by banditry.
“The effects of insecurity have been very severe and we want to use the peace forums to educate our communities on the need to keep the peace and also engage in gainful economic activities,” Cheboi said.
Rotich has proposed establishment of boarding schools in Kerio Valley among 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 in the region completely eliminates banditry.
Speaking at Kolowa in the county during a recent peace meeting, Rotich called for a permanent military camp in Kerio Valley. He urged the relocation of General Service Unit and Anti Stock Theft Unit camps to areas near the Kerio River. It is the border between counties in the region.
“Establishment of boarding schools in Tiaty area and other regions to reduce illiteracy levels is important and we also want the revival of Tot-Kolowa irrigation scheme to boost food production in the region,” Rotich said.
DCS for Interior Kithure Kindiki who toured the area four days ago said a permanent security camp with more than 400 officers had been set up at Kolowa.
"The camp we have established here will exist forever. This camp after the operation will continue to operate so that people in this area are safe," Kindki said.
The CS 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 the criminals had been flushed out of their dens that included ravines and gorges.
Kindiki commended Governor Rotich for his efforts in tackling banditry in Kerio Valley.
He said the governor has been on a tireless peace mission to eradicate banditry, which had threatened the human population in the area.
Rotich has already set up a peace office within his office and Kindiki said the county boss had demonstrated his seriousness and willingness to support peace building.
(Edited by V. Graham)
