As Kerio Valley continues to mourn the deaths of its people because of banditry and cattle rustling activities, there is a need for President Uhuru Kenyatta to personally intervene and restore law and order in the region.
The fact remains that top security officers including Interior CS Fred Matiangi, IG Hillary Mutyambai among others have toured the area and that little or no progress has been achieved in the search for lasting peace in the region.
Four herders were killed last week while grazing their animals in Kapkobil area after cattle rustlers from Tiaty ambushed them before making away with their animals.
During the funeral service of the four people last Friday, there were three other attacks in the region, an indication that the situation is getting out of control.
It is sad that not a day passes before people are killed or animals stolen along the Kerio Valley, Marakwet East, yet there is the presence of security officers.
It is the constitutional duty of Kerio Valley residents to enjoy peace and engage in development just like the rest of Kenyans.
The banditry and cattle rustling incidents are retarding the development of agriculture, education and health among others making the residents refugees in their land.
As a short-term measure to restore peace in the region, the government should re-employ Kenya Police Reservists Service, which was recently disbanded.
Residents are conversant with the terrain of the area and are well placed to deal with the bandits compared to security personnel from outside the region.
Security officers including GSU and Anti-stock theft should be stationed along River Kerio so that they can easily monitor and apprehend them.
The government should compensate all the families that have lost their breadwinners so that they can educate their children and have their ends meet.
The county and national governments should initiate irrigation projects in the Kerio Valley of West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo to enable idle youths to engage in farming activities.
The move would also discourage the residents from over-relying on livestock alone for survival.
Kerio Valley is endowed with rich agricultural soils, which can transform the lives of the people if its potentiality is fully exploited.
It is time President Kenyatta intervenes to help solve insecurity issues in the region.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
