A section of political leaders in Elgeyo Marakwet County has expressed mixed reactions over the ongoing dawn to dusk curfew that the government imposed on the Kerio Valley belt over two months ago.
The curfew was imposed in a bid to address increased cases of bandit attacks in the volatile area and was recently extended for a further 30 more days.
Marakwet West Member of Parliament William Kisang welcomed the move, pointing out that the curfew had helped restore calm in the region.
“We thank God because since the curfew was imposed, we have witnessed peace and children have even returned to school. We ask that the curfew is extended until when we will have a government that will care about the security of the people of Elgeyo Marakwet,” Kisang said.
He also called on the government to ensure enhanced security in the region during the August 9 poll.
“And as leaders from this region, we also ask that during the voting day, and even before, we must have sufficient police officers to protect polling stations and the people,” he added.
However, Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Candidate in the upcoming general election Carolyne Ng’elechei said the curfew had affected economic activities in the area.
Ng’elechei, vying for the seat as an independent candidate challenged the government to find an alternative way of dealing with bandits aside from imposing a curfew.
She said curfew has no impact since most of the attacks are usually staged during the day.
“When you look at the history of bandit attacks in Kerio Valley, it is usually between early in the morning to 1.00 pm so for me the curfew has had no impact on the security situation and it is time the government removed it. If they wanted to know anything, they should have gotten it by now, so let them allow the people to resume their normal activities,” Ng’elechei added.
Interior and National Coordination Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i imposed the curfew following increased bandit attacks and killings in the volatile region.
