Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS), Prof. Kithure Kindiki, has vowed to end the banditry menace through concerted efforts by deploying National Police Reservists (NPR), building security roads and establishing more Administrative Units in Baringo.
Kindiki who was speaking at Kimalel Goat Auction grounds in Baringo South Sub-county, Thursday, during the passing-out of 200 NPR, said intelligence will be increased and with the deployment of the new officers’, insecurity which has been a major challenge for over 50 years in Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu counties will be curbed.
“I want to make a vow that I will be the CS that will end insecurity, as these criminals are prone to attacking residents anyhow. The government is keen on making sure that in case of any attack, all livestock stolen should be recovered,” Kindiki said.
In addition to training, the CS said, the government will provide uniform, footwear and National Hospital Insurance Fund cover to the graduates and their families, so that they can get treatment in government facilities in case of injuries and look into increasing their monthly stipend.
He has further urged the local leadership, together with the National Police Service to work relentlessly in reigning in bandits and ensuring that they do not go back to hideouts that were now considered as crime scenes, as anyone found there would be treated as a criminal and will be dealt with accordingly.
“We are making good progress as we have gotten rid of the hideouts that included the Arabal hills, Tandar hills, Ng’elecha hills and Korgoron hills and all these places are free from bandits, so no one is allowed to return there even for grazing purposes. We will also set-up two police posts in Sandai and Koriema, to deal with criminals on time,” he warned.
Kindiki announced that the government had released Sh.100 million to rebuild schools in Baringo North and South Sub-counties affected during bandit attacks, noting that the amount was not enough. He promise to lobby for more funds so as to restore education in the region.
The CS was accompanied by the County Security Team, Governor, Benjamin Cheboi, Senator William Cheptumo, members of National Assembly from Baringo North, Joseph Makilap and Charles Kamuren of Baringo South.
By Caroline Cherono
