In response to an uptick in incidences of insecurity in the area, the government has imposed a month-long curfew in several areas of the North Rift region.
The dawn-to-dusk curfew, which goes into force on February 14, will make way for a significant security operation to restore peace to the region, which has seen an increase in cattle rustling and banditry in recent months.
Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Samburu, Baringo, and Turkana are the counties that are primarily in the Kerio valley Belt.
A gazette notice bearing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki's signature stated, "This Order prohibits public meetings, processions, and movement—individually or in groups—during the curfew hours unless the Inspector General of the National Police Service has given his or her written consent."
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According to the Curfew Order, Kindiki, there may not be any public meetings, processions, or movement during the curfew time unless specifically authorized and written by the National Police Service's Inspector-General.
The order will be effective in Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana South, Turkana East, Loima Sub-counties, West Pokot's Pokot North, and Sigor Sub-Counties (along the river Turkwel Escarpment), and Turkana (Marakwet East and Marakwet West Sub-counties).
Curfews will be in effect in Mukutani, Muchongoi, Bartabwa, Tiaty East, and Tiaty West Sub-counties in Baringo County and Olmoran, Ng'arua, and Mukogodo Divisions in Laikipia.
The 30-day curfew will also apply to the Loroki and Kirisia Divisions of Samburu.
The action happened after President William Ruto declared the beginning of a significant campaign to seize illicit weapons in the North Rift region.
Ruto stated on Monday that a multi-agency security team comprising officers from the Kenya Defense Forces would be in charge of the security operation (KDF).
The state head who addressed the crowd in Nakuru indicated that he had given the Interior and Defense CSs instructions to develop a coordinated plan.
He stated that the operation's goal is to end the banditry that has wracked many regions of the nation, especially the Kerio Valley Belt.
In addition, President Ruto gave the bandits and anybody else possessing illegal weapons three days to hand over their weapons or face the total weight of the law.
He added that every one possessing an unlicensed firearm that is not a government-issued weapon must turn it in within three days, starting tomorrow (Tuesday).
The Head of State declared that the security forces would set up camp there.
He continued, "We won't leave that region until the return of all illegal firearms, all kids have gone to school, and until we have halted this menace.
