The National Assembly Security Committee has called on Samburu leaders to work closely with security agencies to ensure calm is restored along the Samburu /Baringo border.
The committee, led by Teso North MP Oku Kaunya noted that local leaders have a major role in uniting warring communities through a bipartisan approach be it over pasture or land, and finding a lasting peace solution.
Kaunya told KNA that the security committee is on an oversight mission on the security operation being carried out in Samburu Central following perennial banditry and cattle rustling that has left many people dead including security officers.
“As a commitment of parliament charged with security and administration, we are going to listen to residents and local leaders on where there are security gaps. We will also note the challenges our security officers are facing and table our report in parliament and after it is discussed and approved, then we forward to the relevant ministry for implementation,” he said.
Suguta Marmar MCA James Leleruk said that the conflict along the Samburu -Baringo border is about land and not pasture considering the number of families displaced in the last year.
“We have over 250 families displaced from their homes in Pura, Lolmolog, and Longewan villages making the situation more of a land issue than conflict over pasture.” he said.
The MCA further noted that the rough terrain between the two counties and the lack of security roads make it a bandit haven since security officers cannot pursue them.
On his part, Samburu Central Deputy County Commissioner Tutus Omanyi said that he briefed the security committee on the gaps facing the security operation among them the lack of security roads and poor remuneration of the National Police Reservists (NPR).
Teso North legislature Oku Kaunya was accompanied by Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere and Mandera East MP Hussein Wetan.
By Robert Githu
