There is a need for a security operation in Laikipia West Constituency to flash out bandits that have caused the residents sleepless nights.
This comes as the area National Police Reservists decried low inconsistent pay that has seen many drop out of the programme.
Deputy County Commissioner Hezron Nyamberi, while regretting that an operation was long overdue, said a review of the County Policing Authority, as a way of strengthening the partnership between the county and national government, was key to ensuring the NPR were well remunerated and security improved.
He spoke at Wangwaci area during the burial of NPR officer Simon Kipkemoi, 23, who was shot dead on January 1, 2021, when raiders attacked the village making away with several livestock.
Led by Mwangi Nganga, the residents regretted the perennial raids that had claimed the lives of many residents and police officers, saying youths were vulnerable as they had been employed as NPR.
“Why is it that each time livestock is stolen, they are recovered with no bandits arrested? What kind of business is this? Is it a crime to obey the law and get licensed guns if the government can’t protect its people from those who own illegal guns?” cried Githiga Ward MCA Peter Thomi.
Ol Moran MCA George Mathieu threatened to mobilize resources towards the purchase of guns, regretting that 17 NPR officers had dropped out of the programme that had not remunerated the officers in seven months.
His sentiments were echoed by Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, who noted the need to arm the residents with guns as disarmament of NPR had made the area a bandit’s playground.
“Kuki Gullmann’s Nature Conservancy has become a no go zone for the Anti Stock theft unit. We demand drones to be deployed here to help tackle this problem,” he said.
“We also demand our National Government Constituency Development Fund NG-CDF to be channeled towards improving security here,” added Kinyua.
By Anne Sabuni
