Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya has warned leaders from Baringo County against inciting locals in the wake of an ongoing operation to flush out cattle rustlers and illegal guns in the area.
Mr Natembeya said the operation is a well-planned one and it aims to end insecurity in the area.
Speaking at his home in Kitale, the regional commissioner singled out statements made by Tiaty MP Willima Kamket that the community “would defend itself if security officers continue with the operation”.
“This operation is a result of a series of meeting and recommendations we made with leaders in the region to ensure we end perennial insecurity that has affected residents of that area,” said Mr Natembeya.
His warning comes as tension runs high in the insecurity prone Nasorot, Riongo, Naudo and Akwichatis in Tiaty after police officers allegedly torched shops in the area.
The regional commissioner singled out Silale in Tiaty Constituency as the home of criminals terrorising residents.
He cautioned politicians against inciting locals.
He said security personnel will not relent until all criminals are flushed out.
“How can a leader dare the government that the community will exercise self-defence? These statements must be stopped,” he noted.
He said two police officers were injured on May 28 while they were on an operation in Silale and are undergoing treatment.
The more than 150 officers deployed in the area a month ago are tasked with seizing illegal guns in the hands of civilians in Tiaty, Baringo North and Baringo South.