- Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, during his visit to Baringo on Tuesday, announced the opening of the Kosile GSU Camp among several others, aimed at quelling the threats and restoring peace.
- These measures come after a series of attacks in the region in recent weeks.
Image: HANDOUT
The government has established security camps in Baringo County to respond to a surge in banditry and cattle rustling incidents.
These measures come after a series of attacks in the region in recent weeks.
Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, during his visit to Baringo on Tuesday, announced the opening of the Kosile GSU Camp among several others, aimed at quelling the threats and restoring peace.
"New security camps have been established, and proactive operations are underway to counter the threats and restore normalcy," stated Kindiki.
Accompanied by General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Eliud Lagat, the minister officially launched the Kosile Camp, where additional personnel have been deployed.
Kindiki emphasized the government's comprehensive approach to addressing the security challenges, including the reorganization of deployed units such as the GSU, the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, and the Rapid Deployment Unit in the region.
While acknowledging progress in containing bandit attacks in some areas of Baringo South, Kindiki highlighted that several villages in Baringo South and Baringo North are still experiencing insecurity.
"Despite notable progress, certain areas remain vulnerable to banditry attacks," Kindiki mentioned.
He identified Namba, Ng'aratuko, Kagir, Yatya, and Kosile as particularly volatile villages, requiring sustained efforts to mitigate the threat of banditry.
The government's initiative aims to reinforce security measures, protect residents, and facilitate the return to normalcy in the affected regions of Baringo County.
Towards the end of last month, Kindiki met with the leadership of Baringo County as part of the wider efforts to restore security in the restive North region that suffered the brunt of banditry and cattle rustling.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration (MINA) said that the meeting, led by Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi and Senator William Cheptumo, aimed at assessing the ongoing security operations in Baringo and identifying gaps.
In discussions with local leaders, CS Kindiki reiterated the government’s firm stance that security operations will not be politicized or ethnicized.
He emphasized that any individual, regardless of political affiliation, found to be instigating insecurity will face arrest and prosecution.
“Any political leader found culpable of financing, planning or inciting banditry, livestock rustling, or retaliatory attacks will be apprehended and arraigned, their political persuasions or influence notwithstanding,” he warned.