“We shall not allow bandits to continue killing innocent Kenyans. Police officers will not wait to arrest bandits who are armed; they will be shot,” he said in Kapenguria.
West Pokot Governor John Longyangapuo urged security officers to monitor phone calls and movements of certain politicians inciting residents.
He said they should be barred from running for election.
Speaking together with Okello, he urged the state to disarm bandits causing havoc along the border with Elgeyo Marakwet county. Only police officers should be allowed to handle guns, he said.
“Politicians should stop politicking on security issues along the border since they are fuelling tension and retaliatory attacks in the region,” Longyangapuo said.
“Those inciting residents should not be elected to any seat since they are distorting peace in the region,” the governor said.
The governor said most parts of the border that were producing food for the county are now uninhabitable, resulting in lack of food security and likely shortages.
“Tot and Chesegon areas have been producing enough food since the farms are fertile but currently there are no agricultural activities going on,” he said.
He called for mutual respect and peaceful campaigns.
Akello said that some leaders are taking advantage of the insecurity in the region for political mileage.
(Edited by V. Graham)
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