The move by the government to impose a curfew in the Kerio Valley will only yield fruit in the war against cattle rustling if security officers are deployed along River Kerio.
Bandits have been staging deadly raids in broad daylight despite the presence of security personnel because Kerio Valley is characterised by thick thickets and hilly terrain that make it impossible to capture the culprits.
Residents, especially those on the Marakwet side, have been subjected to untold suffering as bandits continue to terrorise innocent people, including teachers and schoolchildren.
The recent killing of Std 3 pupils of Tot Primary School by bandits was just too much to comprehend.
The bandits spend their nights in thickets along the Kerio River and the Turkwel Power Line, making it hard to arrest them.
This is why the current curfew is only meant to disadvantage the Marakwet community who are farmers and engage in businesses among other income-generating activities.
The fact remains that shops and other businesses along the roads are forced to close at 6pm because of the curfew, yet bandits and cattle rustlers continue to have field days along the Turkwel Power Line where Marakwet people graze their livestock.
For the curfew to be successful, security officers should patrol the Turkwel Power Line and River Kerio to ensure no criminal elements cross into either of the affected areas.
Security officers should close the boundary areas to keep the bandits from crossing into any of the counties in question.
There are reports that while security officers were patrolling the centres, cattle rustlers were busy burning houses belonging to Marakwet herdsmen.
The government should also initiate income-generating activities for the residents to improve their living standards instead of relying on livestock alone for their survival.
It's common knowledge that cattle rustling and banditry will be contained if the residents are empowered economically through projects such as farming and business initiatives. Kerio Valley is an area with rich minerals, which can transform the lives of the people if fully exploited.
Furthermore, there is need for leaders in the affected areas to demonstrate their sincerity and honesty in the fight against insecurity.
Acts of lawlessness along the Kerio Valley would have been a thing of the past if elected leaders had demonstrated honesty and sincerity in fighting insecurity in their respective areas.
Leaders should always educate their people on the importance of living harmoniously among themselves and with their neighbours because without peace, development would be elusive.
The government should therefore put the right policies in place if a lasting solution to insecurity is to be realised.
Peace can only be achieved in the valley if the government demonstrates its willingness because it has the capacity.
Former principal, Tot High School, and an independent candidate, Marakwet East parliamentary seat
