Not long ago, bandits and cattle rustlers were hiding out in the vast and virtually impenetrable Kamologon forest where they were safe for many years.
But, while others failed, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki rooted hem out of their lairs and now the county is building roads where rustlers once took refuge.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said the ongoing KDF-backed security operation in Kerio Valley has opened the region for investments that will transform communities in the region.
He said on Thursday the county government, the national government and development partners will revive all projects stalled due to many years of banditry causing deaths destruction and investor flight.
Rotich said President William Ruto’s commitment to end banditry had led to peace and calm in the region where communities were starting to engage activities beside cattle raising their livelihoods.
“We thank the President because it’s the first time we are seeing really action by the government to end banditry," Rotich said.
Governor Rotich visited areas where he commissioned new roads to open up areas formerly used as hideouts.
He commissioned a major road leading to Kamologon forest, which has been major hideout over the years.
Rotich said it was practically the end of the road for criminals who have been taking refuge in Kamologon forest in Marakwet East. Now roads will run through their hideouts.
The forest was a famous hiding den for rustlers due to its vastness and thick tree canopy that makes it virtually inaccessible.
The new road will link Kapyego and West Pokot county and allow access by residents as well as security agents.
"The forest is vast and once the bandits disappeared inside, police officers could do little. The new road will open up the area and security officers will conduct patrols at any time ," said Rotich.
The county has dispatched a grade that will work on the road until its completion.
He said he would spearhead the opening of more roads in the area while pushing to improve existing ones.
The county recently opened the 18-kilometre Kapchoge-Chepkoit road connecting Kapyego and Embobut wards.
The ongoing security operation in six counties stricken by banditry has helped to restore calm in the last few months.
Resident Simon Chepkutwo from Tangul thanked the governor for his peace efforts, terming the new road as a win against banditry.
He said efforts by the governor, especially the reopening if new security roads was the first one since 1969.
"The road was done by the whites in 1969 with minimal maintenance in 1995. Governor Rotich done the first maintenance since then.
This new road will also help us transport our commodities to markets in our neighbouring counties," he said. He added that bandits had used the forest to torment the residents.
"Immediately they get into the forest, it became difficult for security offers to trace them... they just disappear," Chepkutwo said.
Resident Mary Kemboi of Tangul, which is on the borderof the forest, said, "This is the right move. For the first time, I have seen seriousness in tacking banditry in Kamologon."
