- He said conflicts have escalated into violence in some parts of the country, leaving behind a trail of destruction, loss of lives and strained social cohesion.
- Kobia noted that as late as February 27, the lives of innocent school-going children were cut short by merciless bandits in Yatya, Baringo.
Image: FILE
National Cohesion and Integration Commission wants security organs and leaders from bandit-stricken areas to urgently hold a meeting geared towards containing the latest wave of killings.
NCIC chair Samuel Kobia regretted that since the beginning of the year, 12 people have lost their lives through attacks by armed criminals in the restive Baringo North and Baringo South.
“This is an unacceptable trajectory and we reiterate our stand that no life is worth losing. We call for swift and decisive actions to address these criminal activities, protect innocent lives, and uphold the rule of law. If left unattended these will spread to other vulnerable counties,” he said.
In a statement, Kobia called on leaders both at the national and county governments to quickly tame attacks.
He said conflicts have escalated into violence in some parts of the country, leaving behind a trail of destruction, loss of lives and strained social cohesion.
“We also call upon the security teams on the ground to consider dialogue with communities to arrest the perpetrators of the horrific scenes we are witnessing in Kenya,” he said.
Kobia noted that as late as February 27, the lives of innocent school-going children were cut short by merciless bandits in Yatya, Baringo.
“Women and girls have not been spared by the bandits. We have received reports of abduction and abuse of innocent women and young girls,” he said.
He called on political leadership in the affected regions to take charge of their counties and convene as soon as possible to stop the criminal attacks.
“Indeed, no amount of sorry can console the bereaved families,” he stated.
He said NCIC is actively monitoring and assessing the prevailing conditions.
Kobia also condemned conflicts that have escalated not only in the North Rift and Samburu but also in other parts of the country including Narok- Transmara West, Kisumu-Kericho border, Lamu, Mandera and Kwale.
Kobia said Kenyans have just come out of prolonged droughts and are now experiencing heavy rains that have affected their livelihoods on top of the persistent banditry attacks.
He added that NCIC is committed to continue working closely with various stakeholders to restore peace in the regions and called upon Kenyans to abandon retrogressive ways of handling conflicts.
“Gone are the days of regressive cultural practices. Banditry is a criminal act and the perpetrators should face the full wrath of the law,” he stated.