Major General Jeff Nyaga on Friday made his inaugural tour of North Rift since he took over the new role of General Officer Commanding Operation Maliza Uhalifu.
It was his first trip to the area since he exited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) mission on April 28 where he worked as the East Africa Regional Force Commander.
The General was upon arrival briefed on the status of the current security situation and milestones achieved in the troubled counties of the North Rift since the operation was launched.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Defence said Gen Nyaga commended the security agencies for their selfless service in ensuring normalcy is gradually restored in the disturbed counties.
The COG stressed the need for the adoption of new strategies in the execution of the intelligence-led operation and assured operation commanders that Kenya Defence Forces will continue to accord them all the necessary support needed to curb the banditry menace in North Rift.
"We take cognizance of your spirited efforts of protecting Kenyans in this region which has greatly impacted their socio-economic lives. It has not been easy but we continue to be resilient and motivated,” he said.
The Commander was briefed on the status of the operation at the Multi-agency Command Center at Chemolingot, before touring areas of Chesitet, Tot, Kainuk, Baragoi, Pura, Kirimun, and Ngoisusu.
He was accompanied by the ‘Operation Maliza Uhalifu’ commanders.
On May 17, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki extended the orders declaring six counties in the North Rift as dangerous by a further 30 days.
These are West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Laikipia, Baringo, Samburu and Turkana.
He said ‘Operation Maliza Uhalifu’ will only end after all the bandits and armed criminals are completely dealt with.
"The choice is simple; armed criminals or Kenya, and there is no way we can be defeated by bandits. We have enough security officers, skills, expertise and equipment to deal with the criminals," Kindiki said during a progress analysis of the security operation in Laikipia.
