Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i should demonstrate seriousness in the fight against insecurity along the Marakwet-Pokot-Baringo border, as the situation seems to be getting out of control.
For the last one week, more than eight people including university and secondary school students have lost their lives because of cattle rustling incidents.
Even before those who were killed in Marich and Kapen villages were buried, one person was on Sunday shot dead and another one is fighting for his life after cattle rustlers struck Kabetwa area in Marakwet East constituency in broad daylight and in the presence of security personnel.
It is the constitutional right for residents along the Kerio Valley to enjoy life like the rest of Kenyans.
It is one week since Matiang’i toured Tot along the Kerio Valley where he met with leaders and residents before issuing a one-week ultimatum for the criminals to surrender or face the full force of the law.
Matiang’i should now move with speed and restore law and order along the Kerio Valley to enable residents to engage in their development activities without any fear of being attacked.
It is sad that residents are now camping along the escarpments at the expense of engaging in farming especially now that the area is experiencing rainfall.
Residents along the Kerio Valley are confident that with seriousness, Matiang'i can eliminate acts of lawlessness in the region.
Communities in the valley are tired of frequent assurances and warnings from Rift Valley regional coordinator George Natembeya on the cattle rustlers but want action taken against criminals from each side for the sake of peace and development.
Matiang’i should come to terms with the fact that so long as we still have guns in the wrong hands, peace will never be achieved.
The government should therefore get rid of all guns in the wrong hands both in Pokot, Turkana, Marakwet, Samburu and Baringo because its responsibility to ensure Kenyans in any part of the country live in peace.
Matiang’i should therefore act and stop further warnings on matters of insecurity along the valley because the situation is getting out of control.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
