Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop Dominic Kimengich has challenged the government and other players in the Kerio Valley to look beyond addressing insecurity in the region.
Bishop Kimengich who on February 7, 2023, visited Elgeyo Marakwet says it was time the focus was put on helping communities in the affected areas be economically stable.
Addressing the press after meeting Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisely Rotich, the Bishop said finding an alternative source of income for the community would go a long way in finding a lasting solution to the insecurity challenge.
“Let us improve the livelihoods of our people. We need to find other ways, be it agriculture or affirmative action which will help them have other sources of income and discourage cattle rustling,” said the Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop.
He further challenged the government to use the machinery at its disposal to ensure all those involved in cattle theft and killings of innocent persons and arrested and face the full force of the law.
Huge potential
Bishop Kimengich also asked political leaders to use their goodwill in turning around the fortunes of the region it says has a huge potential – development-wise.
“The government has police officers and intelligence. Why can’t it follow up on these people stealing livestock and face the law? Where there is impunity there will be no justice and we will not go forward,” noted the clergy.
Meanwhile, he has offered to convene a meeting of political leaders from the Kerio Valley to discuss the best ways to address the insecurity challenge.
Bishop Kimengich has also supported calls for the disarmament of arms illegally in the hands of the citizens.
He said as long as the issuance of firearms to the National Police Reservists (NPRs) is handled with care, there will be no need for the locals to have their own guns.
For the last few years, Kerio Valley has faced insecurity usually linked to cattle rusting.
Data recently shared by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor indicated that in January 2023, at least 8 persons were killed by bandits.
