Government orders all non-residents to vacate troubled Laikipia areas

The government has ordered all non-residents within the troubled Laikipia County to leave with immediate effect as part of efforts to enforce peace and stability in the region.

In a statetement, Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i said that despite the enhanced presence of security teams, criminals are still trying to challenge the governmet’s efforts to resolve to restore normalcy and the economic livelihoods of the residents of Laikipia.

“The government notes with grave concern that despite its efforts to enforce peace and stability in Laikipia, hardcore bandits continue to take advantage of the prevailing drought situation in neighbouring counties to commit criminal incursions,” stated Matiang’i.

The government has ordered an immediate enhancement of the ongoing security operation be undertaken to include a heightened crack operation in the affected areas.

Matiang’i also said additional special forces and equipment under the heightened command will be deployed to the operation.

Further, a special command team to monitor and continuously review the operation to rid the area of criminal elements has been put in place.

Over the past two months, innocent lives have been lost and many others injured in attacks that have also occasioned the destruction of private property and loss of livestock.