Duale tours North Rift, says security has improved

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed the government's commitment to end banditry in parts of the North Rift.

The multi-agency approach, he noted, would help restore normalcy in the affected regions.

He said security agencies have firm instructions from the President to find a lasting solution for peace and tranquillity in the region.

“We are sending a strong message to the bandits that we are in this theatre to stay. We are not leaving until we are convinced that the security has improved and the bandits are degraded so that socio-economic development can take place,” Duale said Wednesday during the visit to the region.

The CS toured the Chemolingot multi-agency command centre (Baringo), Tot multi-agency camp (Elgeyo Marakwet), and Samburu.

He was accompanied by the General Officer Western Command (GOC West Com) Major General David Tarus, the GSU Commandant Douglas Kanja and Samburu County Commissioner Henry Wafula.

The CS also commended the teams noting that, in 25 days since the commencement of the operation, the security situation had greatly improved.

He lauded the multi-agency security teams for their dedication, saying the government shall go out of it is way to support the security agencies in the mission area.

“We are going to set up serious military installations and GSU camps in the area, creating a network of quick reaction forces. The bandits dared us, and we’ve come in full force to find a lasting solution,” stated the CS.

The operation which began late last month is dubbed 'Maliza Uhalifu North Rift'.

It is being conducted jointly between the KDF, National Police Service and National Government Administration Officers(NGAO).

During the tour, he was briefed by the multi-agency security teams operating in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Samburu counties.

Rift Valley Regional Commander reported that the security teams have realized critical milestones by recovering several heads of livestock, illegal firearms and reopening of schools and roads that were controlled by the bandits.

He said the multi-agency approach has enhanced their interoperability, skills sharing and synergy that has made it possible to coordinate the operation across the region.

The targeted counties are Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, Turkana, West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet.

Duale also assured the locals that the military shall conduct Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities in the region such as; establishment of medical camps, construction of schools and sinking boreholes to provide social amenities for the communities.