Administration and Internal Security Committee Visit Laikipia North to Assess Security Concerns Following Increased Banditry
Residents of Doldol and Arjijo along Mokogodu forest cutline in Laikipia North constituency today had the opportunity to interact with Members of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security. The residents also were granted an opportunity to express their concerns emanating from the ongoing security operation in the forest to try and arrest the cattle rustling menace and other conflicts.
In the two meetings held separately with the Yaku-Maasai community at Doldol and the El-Ngwesi at Arjijo, the two made submissions to the Committee team led by Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West) and the area MP Hon. Sara Korere, spelling out their security concerns, challenges and their plea to the government.
James Lentula and Raks Manase both members of the Yaku-Maasai community asked Committee Members to keenly go through their petition and to ensure they are resettled back in the forest after the ongoing security operation and the much awaited restoration of peace. They claimed to have commenced their stay in the forest since 1931 , adding that flushing then out would be depriving them a source if livelihood.
“We respected the government’s decision to ask us leave the forest, but those stealing our animals are still hidden there. They have now taken some of our homes, we want them also out of the forest. We also ask the government give us schools, hospitals and other essential social amenities”, Lentula added.
The residents also told the Committee that there is need for the government to curb cattle theft in the area by deploying additional Kenya Police Resevists (KPR) and establishing additional police camps along Mokogodo forest to increase patrols. They further pleaded for the recognition of the Yaku-Maasai community by the government and for the police to handle the current curfew in a humane manner.
Laikipia County Commissioner Mr. Joseph Kanyiri, County police Commander John Nyoike and the head of DCI in the region Ms. Judith Kinara who attended both meetings, requested the Committee to push for police facilitation in form of appropriate vehicles to move swiftly within the rough terrain. They also urged for opening up of roads in areas prone to banditry in both Laikipia North and West as well as the establishment of additional police camps.
Commissioner Kanyiri pointed out to the Committee that Tassia Lodge and Narumoru are key areas of concern.
“Chair, these conflicts are brought about by scrumble for resources like water, issues of illegal firearms among herders and search for grazing fields. Many people have been displaced from Isiolo East chair”, Commissioner Kanyiri added.
On his part, the Committee Chairperson Hon. Tongoyo assured residents of Laikipia North especially those who have been displaced from the forest following the security operation that the lawmakers would come up with recommendations to the House to help address their challenges . He encouraged residents to embrace peace as the government makes all efforts to protect them and their property.
The area MP Hon. Sara Korere encouraged residents to work with the police to continue improving the security situation while at the same time encouraging the security apparatus to focus more on the welfare of the citizenry.
Other members of the Committee who attended the public engagement forums were :Hon. Oku Kaunya (Teso North) and Hon. Fred Kapondi (Mt. Elgon).
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