Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich on Friday hosted Senate National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations Committee.
The Governor took the opportunity to petition the team led by Baringo Senator William Cheptumo to have a legislation that will categorise banditry as an act of terrorism.
He said banditry has not only led to loss of lives in Kerio Valley but also disrupted county’s programs and projects.
“This will deter members of the community, especially the youth from engaging in banditry,” the governor said.
Rotich also presented possible solutions, both short term and long-term, to the Senate Committee, which if considered, Kerio Valley belt will enjoy lasting peace.
Among them include a marshall plan for the region, infrastructure to open up the area, irrigation schemes, disarmament and categorizing of banditry as acts of terrorism.
The Governor however thanked Cabinet Secretaries Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Aden Duale and Kipchumba Murkomen for their support in restoring peace in Kerio Valley.
He said there has been intensified security patrols in the area, establishment of Kamologon, Samu and Todo military camps, opening of a number of security roads in the Valley and Kamologon among others.
“We however still have some roads that need to be opened. I pray that the Senate adopts our recommendations,” he added.
Also present were Senators Fatuma Dulho, Caren Nyamu and area Senator William Kisang, County Commissioner John Korir, Deputy Governor Prof. Grace Cheserek, County Secretary Paul Chemmuttut, CECMs and other County staff.
