Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindik has announced that the government would deploy specialized officers to assist with ongoing efforts to clear out bandits in the North Rift.

Speaking to officers on Monday at the Sarar GSU Camp in Elgeyo Marakwet County, CS Kindiki stated that bandits would be treated the same as terrorists.

PHOTO | COURTESY CS Kindiki

'We are bringing in special forces to help us deal with the hardcore commanders of banditry. To ruthlessly pursue the livestock rustlers, we are deploying the same measures we've deployed to tackle terrorism," CS Kindiki said.

The Interior Ministry chief stated that the ongoing operation, known as Maliza Uhalifu, will continue indefinitely until the threat of banditry is eliminated.

According to CS Kindiki, the number of bandit commanders who have either been neutralized or arrested is evidence of the operation's success. 

PHOTO | COURTESY CS Kindiki


At the same time, CS Kindiki announced the government's proposal to establish peace schools in the turbulent North Rift.

He stated that the schools will serve youngsters from many villages and provide an environment free of negative influences like banditry and livestock rustling.

During his Monday visit, CS Kindiki stated that the relocation of security operation camps along the Kerio Valley ordered by the government last year has dramatically improved peace and security in the Marakwet East Constituency.