- Ogolla, Njeru and Duale have visited the troops in the region.
- The joint Security Operation dubbed Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift is led by NPS with the assistance of the KDF.
Deputy Commander Kenya Army Maj Gen William Shume is the latest senior military officer to visit the multi-agency troops deployed in the North Rift.
He on Tuesday, March 28, toured the area including Chemoligot Multi-agency command center, Chesitet, Baragoi, and Ngoisusu operation bases.
Maj Gen Shume lauded them for their diligence to duty and their continued efforts of returning normalcy in the bandit-prone regions.
He further urged the troops to continue with the same spirit cultivating synergy and united action amongst the security agencies.
"I know it is a new way of operating, to have different forces and services working under one roof, but I commend you so far for how you have remained objective, and collaborating with an aim to end banditry," he said.
He said for disarmament to be successful, there is a need for the operation commanders to maintain good rapport with the local administration, terming it as a reliable source of information and intelligence.
Also present during the visit was Special Operations Group Commander Gilbert Masengeli, Army Special Operations Commander, Brig Ahmed Saman, Operations Officer Rapid Deployment commander Peter Masai among others.
Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Francis Ogolla, Army Commander Lt Gen Peter Njeru and defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale have visited the troops in the region.
The joint Security Operation dubbed Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift is led by the National Police Service (NPS) with the assistance of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Deputy Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow is the Commander in charge of the operation.
Despite a heavy police presence in the marked areas, armed bandits have continued to attack, kill and rob residents before retreating to caves and forests from where they monitor the public and security personnel as they plan further attacks.
The government has declared the counties of Samburu, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot and Laikipia as disturbed and dangerous owing to numerous and persistent incidents of violent bandit attacks.
Over 150 people have died in the hands of marauding bandits in the last seven months in the counties, including 20 security personnel.
Residents in marked areas where bandits are suspected to be hiding in caves, escarpments, forests, gorges and rugged terrain were ordered to vacate prior to the onset of the operation. Ends