The government has issued a 7-day ultimatum to all those who have been perpetuating criminal activities in Kerio Valley to surrender to police.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i held a high-level security meeting at Tot centre, in Elgeyo Marakwet County following a fresh wave of bandit attacks that have claimed seven people and displaced 200 others.
Rift Valley Regional Coordinator George Natembeya gave Kerio Valley residents a one-week ultimatum to name bandits behind the fresh attack that led to the death of seven people and displacement of 200 others.
“It should not be business as usual when few criminals continue to harass and kill innocent people, reversing gains made by the prevailing peace in the past two years,” said Natembeya.
According to the Interior Ministry, the profiles of the perpetrators which were prepared in collaboration with residents, have been shared among security teams ahead of an all-out offensive.
Today’s meeting signals an end to sporadic violence and bloodletting, which have stagnated socio-economic development in the area.
“It is unfortunate that some politicians and professionals in some of these communities promote the retaliatory attacks as an act of heroism to gain fame. This must stop lest we arrest you and make you face the law,” he said.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos cautioned against forceful disarmament. “Political inciters and those who fund cattle raids as a source of wealth must face the full force of the law,” he said.
Gender Chief Administrative Secretary Jebii Kilimo blamed underdevelopment, high poverty levels and illiteracy for the recurrent attacks.
“We need to come out clean and expose criminals behind the attacks. Protecting them will not do us any good. We need to end this culture of cattle raids once and for all,” she said.
Several local leaders including governors from Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Baringo counties are attended the meeting aimed at finding a lasting solution to the persistent insecurity crisis.
