We Have Restored Peace in The North Rift , Prof. Kindiki Assures Security Committee
The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Prof. Kithure Kindiki, has assured the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security that peace has been restored in the six North Rift counties that were declared as disturbed.
While appearing before the Committee chaired by Hon. Gabriel Tongonyo (Narok West), Prof Kindiki stated held that to address the insecurity in Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu counties, it was necessary for the government to institute a 30-day dusk to dawn curfew.
He noted that it had taken the concerted efforts of the multi-agency security teams and collaborative effort from the local communities, for the calmness has been experienced for the last five months to last.
“The North Rift region is currently peaceful and relatively calm. Incidences of banditry have significantly reduced since the launch of operation ‘Maliza Uhalifu’”, he reiterated.
“The successful security operation was spearheaded by the multi-agency security team encompassing KDF, GSU, ASTU, regular police, and NPRS,” he added.
According to the CS, through the security operations, 7,147 livestock, 646 illegal firearms and 285 rounds of ammunition have been recovered. Additional normalcy is now restored in the region and there is a free movement of people and goods and minimized counter and revenge attacks between communities in the affected counties.
“The operation led to successful recoveries of stolen livestock and now bandits have been flushed out from their hideouts. Displaced communities have returned to their homes, criminals and suspects have been arrested and charged and schools have reopened,” Prof. Kindiki told the Committee Members.
According to the CS, for decades the region has experienced insecurity resulting from cattle rustling and banditry which has enveloped the counties and became a national security concern. He further disclosed that the activities involved massive theft of livestock, killings and wanton destruction of property.
While responding to the members’ concerns on the Kericho-Kisumu (Nyakach) ongoing unrest, the CS assured them that his Ministry was doing everything possible to stop the escalation of the violence.
He told the lawmakers that disciplinary actions had been taken against all law enforcement officers whose laxity had led to loss of lives in the border conflict.
“The Kericho- Kisumu (Nyakach) dispute is an old problem that has been recurring from time to time. It is fueled by politics and it is not unique to these two counties only. A similar situation has been experienced in 27 other counties with border disputes across the country,” he said.
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