Interior CS Kindiki declares 30-day dusk to dawn curfew in five banditry-prone counties
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared a 30-day dusk-to-dawn curfew in five banditry-prone counties starting today.
Kindiki said the areas are disturbed and dangerous with the security situation in the region now considered a National Emergency.
The five counties are Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu.
According to the CS, over 100 civilians and 16 police officers had been murdered in bandit attacks in the last six months.
He said the murderous gangs have in the recent past escalated their terror on innocent Kenyans and law enforcement agencies and in the process burnt down schools, police vehicles and other social amenities.
“During the attacks, hundreds of Kenyans have been displaced from their homes. The government has determined the security situation currently prevailing in the Northern Rift Valley Region as a National Emergency. Accordingly, painful and decisive measures must be taken effective immediately,” Kindiki stated.
The CS further ordered all persons across the country holding illegal firearms to surrender them immediately within three days or face full action of the law.
This comes after President William Ruto had ordered Prof Kindiki to camp in the region as the operation kicks off following a week of planning.
He said his government has extensively strategised on fighting banditry in the coming days, saying he will ensure no more life is lost through bandit attacks.
