President William Ruto has assured Laikipia County residents that the government is working to tighten security in the area.
He revealed the plan to add 250 more National Police Reservists (NPR) to the area, aimed at ensuring security of lives and property.
"Today I want to inform you that we will add 250 police reservists. We plan to ensure that we have police officers, NPRs and enough equipment. We plan to ensure that we will have police officers, NPRs and enough equipment every area where there is insecurity," h every area where there is insecurity," he said.
"I want to give you my word and commitment. We are going to secure Laikipia County as we secure all the other counties of the Republic of Kenya."
Ruto spoke on Friday during the official launch of the human-wildlife conflict mitigation and compensation scheme at Rumuruti Stadium in Laikipia.
He also stated that the government has set apart about Sh25 billion to purchase new equipment for police officers.
This, he said, will ensure that they are well-prepared to deal with criminals and all other security threats.
Ruto fired a warning to the lawbreakers saying, "Hawa wakora chuma chao ki motoni. Mimi nataka kuwahakikishia kwamba hawa watu wa kuhangaisha wananchi tutawashughulikia kikamilifu".
Additionally, he committed to making sure that Samburu, Baringo, Turkana, Wes Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties are safe.
"I have given very firm instructions on this northern part of Kenya from Elgeyo Marakwet to Isiolo to ensure that bandits are dealt with," he said.
"I want to give you my word. We are going to finish with these people and we are going to secure our country."
The President urged leaders and Kenyans at large to collaborate and expose all bandits, cattle rustlers and any person who is a danger to society.
On the issue of human-wildlife conflicts, Ruto promised to construct a 100 km long electric fence to prevent the wild animals from encroaching into human territory.
He directed the ministry to map all areas which require fencing including forests, to facilitate fencing in the next five years.
Ruto was accompanied by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Cabinet Secretaries Soipan Tuya (Environment), Rebecca Miano (Trade) and Alfred Mutua (Tourism).
Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah was also present alongside other MPs.
