- CS announced that the joint KDF and police operation against the vice will embark on reconstructing destroyed infrastructure.
- Kindki directed the Rift Valley security and intelligence committee led by Regional Commissioner Hassan Abdi to arrest any leader who is inciting members of the public.
Image: HANDOUT
Interior Cabinet secretary Kithure Kindiki has announced creation of four new subcounties in Turkana to ease administration and tame insecurity.
Kindiki said on Wednesday that the four new administrative units of Suguta, Lokiriama, Aroo and Lokichogio will "facilitate accessible, affordable, and expeditious delivery of services."
And as part of dealing with the impacts of cattle rustling and banditry in the region, the CS announced that the joint KDF and police operation against the vice will embark on reconstructing destroyed infrastructure.
In particular, schools in the region destroyed will be reconstructed and modernised at a cost of Sh100 million.
"All schools in Turkana East constituency that were raided and vandalised by bandits and armed criminals, among them Napeitom, Nadome, Lokidong'iru and Ng'ilukia, will be immediately reconstructed," he said.
"Kenya Defence Forces and National Youth Service officers will help in rebuilding the institutions. Sh100 million has been released for the purchase of construction materials for this," the CS added.
At the same time, Kindki directed the Rift Valley security and intelligence committee led by Regional Commissioner Hassan Abdi to arrest any leader who is inciting members of the public to engage in acts of violence and destruction of property, regardless of their political affiliation.
Kericho and Bomet leaders, among them Kericho Governor Eric Mutai, MPs and MCAs, have been summoned to record statements with DCI.
Any leader linked to the Narok violence must be investigated and prosecuted, he added.
Further, for a lasting solution to the banditry question, the CS said the government was keen to enhance the capacity of security officers responding to ensure they have modern techniques and machinery.
The state is spending some Sh2.8 billion towards this modernisation, with the CS saying the evolving security environment requires substantive investment in latest technology.
He had travelled to the region to visit the various camps of the officers to boost their morale.
"To boost the capacity of security officers in handling emerging and modern-day security concerns, the government will spend Sh20 billion to equip security teams with technology and equipment, including vehicles and planes as well as skills, with specialised formations handling crimes such as terrorism, cross border crime and banditry," Kindiki said.
He addressed a security baraza meeting at Lokori, Turkana East, during his tour.
Kindiki declared Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the region on March 12 and extended it for a further 30 days on May 18.