Residents of Kaptama in Mt Elgon will get a new police post to address the unending cross-border conflict.
Bungoma county commissioner Thomas Sankei made the announcement on Wednesday during a tour.
Sankei said the police post will help solve cross-border conflicts with the neighbouring Uganda.
“This police post will not only solve cross-border conflicts but deal with insecurity incidents within the area,” he said.
Since independence Chepkitale area in Mt Elgon forest has been operating without a police post where locals can report insecurity incidents.
From Chepkitale to the closest police station is 40km.
Also present was area MCA Hillary Kiptalam, who praised the government for setting up a police post at Chepkitale.
Kiptalam said there is poor network in the area, calling on the government to help install masts that boost network connectivity.
Due to lack of a police post in the region, Ugandans have taken advantage of increasing cross-border conflicts with Mt Elgon residents, he said.
Kiptalam urged leaders to have had a candid meeting with authorities including Bungoma police commander Francis Kooli on how the area can get police officers.
Cosmas Murunga, an elder from the Ogiek community, said residents will support the new police post.
He said elders have identified land where the post will be put up.
“We have already identified a house where the officers can reside as we wait for the government’s procurement. It only needs small renovation,” Murunga told the Star.
Kooli said he is in partnership with the county commissioner and the national office to ensure the place gets a police post.
