Government Should Change Tactics in Dealing With Bandits - Eldoret Human Rights Activists

Uasin Gishu Center for Human Rights and Democracy (CHRD) programs officer Kipkorir Ngetich has called upon the government to change ways of dealing with bandits in volatile Kerio Valley.

Speaking to the press, Ng’etich said the organized crime with a trail of death and stealing of herds of cattle in Kerio Valley has mastered the government’s operation and there is a need to change modes of operation to end insecurity in the region.

“Towards this continuous killings of innocent people in Kerio Valley, we are requesting the government to change its strategy and go for the beneficiaries and financiers of this criminal activity, that is the only way to dealt with such dangerous crime that has come thru many ages, these criminals attend public barazas and get access to gvt strategy and plans to dealt with them,” said Ng’etich

Ng’etich said there have been massive killings in the North Rift Region which have led to the death of both children and adults.

“We are requesting Cs interior Kithure Kindiki to limit those barazas and make it difficult for this criminal to access the government plan to deal with them, tough pronouncements then suddenly strikes occur will continue hardening this criminal and the governmnet should employ a high secret security plan and operations in that region. we urge leaders and citizens to volunteer and give the government any available information regarding these criminals and their whereabouts,” he added.

“If the government fails to take this into action, there would be continuity of insecurity in Kerio valley in Elgeyo Marakwet which will result in the loss of more lives and property in the nearby communities,” said Ng’etich

He said the culprits have known the secrets of the government in dealing with the banditry and this has accelerated crime in the region.

This is after the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki toured Kerio Valley where tension is high in Ketut, Marakwet East sub-county following the recent killing of two girls by bandits who also stole livestock on New Year’s Day.

The two, a Form 3 student at Kabulwo Secondary School and her younger sister a Class 7 pupil at Kabetwa Primary School, were shot dead by bandits as they herded family livestock.

Kindiki further said the insecurity menace in the region and other counties has undermined development programs.