Human Rights Activists in the North Rift region have called on locals and leaders in Kerio Valley to work closely with the security team.
This, the activists say, will help in identifying individuals behind a wave of attacks in the region.
Led by the Eldoret-based Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (CHRD) programs officer Kipkorir Ng’etich, the activists say the attacks were more than cattle rustling.
“Attacks in Kerio Valley are as a result of livestock business, not cattle rustling anymore,” said Ng’etich in an interview with Uasin Gishu News.
“I want to urge leaders in the region to speak to the locals so that they can maintain peace. We also want names of those behind bandit attack so that they face the full force of the law,” he added.
Military deloyment
With the increasing cases of bandit attacks in the region, there have been calls for the government to deploy military in the area.
But according to Ng’etich, before such an action is taken, there should be a keen assessment of the Kerio Valley situation.
“Before we settle on having the military deployed in the region, there should be an assessment to find out if the current situation is beyond the police officers. There should not be a hurry to send the soldiers when police can deal with the criminals,” noted the human rights activist.
The military has in the past been involved in handling criminal elements – as was the case with the outlawed Sabaot Land Defense Forces (SLDF) in Mt Elgon, Bungoma County.
Concerning the current education situation in Kerio Valley, Ng’etich says there is a need for learners from schools affected by the attacks to be moved to a safer area, especially for those sitting for national examinations.
He also asked teachers not to ask for a transfer from Kerio Valley, with the hope the government will handle the situation.
