In the past six months, bandit attacks in the North Rift Region have resulted in at least 100 civilian deaths and the deaths of 16 police officers.

PHOTO | COURTESY Interior CS Prof. Kindiki Kithure says that 100 civilians and 16 police officers were killed in bandits' attack

In a statement released Monday, the Interior Cabinet Secretary claimed that the deadly gangs had recently increased their terror against defenceless Kenyans and law enforcement organizations, destroying schools, police cars, and other public facilities.

"Hundreds of Kenyans have lost their homes due to the attacks. The Northern Rift Valley Region's present security situation has been deemed a National Emergency by the government. As a result, drastic and unpleasant action must take place right away, Kindiki remarked.

Kindiki also declared a month-long curfew in certain areas of the North Rift region to prevent banditry.

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PHOTO | COURTESY  Interior CS Prof. Kindiki Kithure leads the officers in one of the miossions

The dawn-to-dusk curfew, to take effect on February 14, will pave the way for a sizable military operation to bring peace to the area, which has experienced a rise in banditry and livestock rustling in recent months.

The Kerio valley Belt counties, primarily West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Laikipia, Baringo, Samburu, and Turkana, would be subject to the curfew.

Kindiki's signature appeared on a gazette notice that stated, "According to this Order, only activities that have been approved in paper by the Inspector General of the National Police Service are allowed to take place in public during the curfew time."

President William Ruto had already reaffirmed the government's resolve to eradicate banditry in the unrest-ridden North Rift region.

In response to the recent tragedy, which saw four people, including three police officers, fatalities in Turkana, On Sunday, Ruto promised that his administration would take all necessary steps to clear the area of bandits.

President Ruto said his administration would increase its efforts to bring calm to the area under frequent banditry attacks and cattle rustling.

Ruto stated during a public engagement in Nakuru, "We have put in placemeasures to guarantee that we deal decisively with the few persons who persist to challenge our determination by terrifying the state so that we secure the lives of Kenyans."

PHOTO | COURTESY  Interior CS Prof. Kindiki Kithure arrives to North Rift

To put an end, Ruto said that he had instructed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to establish a camp in the North Rift in response to the banditry menace that has continued to take lives.

He emphasized that a multi-agency security team, including personnel from the Kenya Defense Forces, will lead the security operation (KDF).