The Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government on Thursday announced the deployment of a heavy security contingent to parts of Rift Valley, Kenya.
In a statement sent to media houses, the state announced having dispatched a team comprising officers from the RDU and GSU Commandants to the North Rift to join the regional security teams in combating crime.
The move, the ministry stated, is part of the government’s efforts to further beef up the ongoing operation to flush out criminals who have been conducting banditry attacks in six counties in the area.
“The government is deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of security in the North Rift region, specifically Baringo, West Pokot, Samburu, Turkana, Laikipia and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, due to cattle rustling and other criminal activities in the last two months,” the announcement by the state reads in part.
According to the Interior ministry, illegal possession of firearms and incitement to violence were to blame for the increase in crime that has led to the loss of many lives and destruction of property in the area.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i will be part of the officers leading the operation even as the state fingers a number of area leaders for fueling the tribal clashes.
A section of area leaders including Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has been advocating for the disarmament of police reservists who have been a key component of the security detail in the area.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchmba Murkomen opposed Senator Moi’s calls to disarm the reservists saying;
“Reservists are an integral part of security solution in the valley. Any security strategy cheered by Kamket the commander of bandits will be resisted by leaders from Turkana, Baringo and Samburu.”