By Naomi Cheruiyot
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Prof Kindiki Kithure has assured Kenyans that the government is committed to ending banditry in six counties within the North Rift region.
Speaking during a visit to Elgeyo Marakwet, one of the affected counties on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Kindiki said the government will not allow anyone to disrupt citizens’ peaceful coexistence.
“We will not tolerate anybody who is trying to bring insecurity and banditry cases into this region and the country at large,” the CS said.
He spoke while at Tankurur area which lies at the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties.
Further, the CS called on local leaders to work together with the national government, especially in security matters, and by supporting the deployment of security personnel in the areas affected by banditry and insecurity.
“I will not be able to work alone as the CS and I urge you the two governors from West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet to help me fulfil the mandate we have for the safety of Kenyans,” Kindiki said.
Tankurur-Kaborogon road
During the visit, the CS also launched a road linking Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties from Tankurur to Kaborogon.
The road covers about 20 kilometres and it is meant to ease the ongoing fight against banditry and insecurity in the region.
On his part, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich Kindiki for being the first Cabinet Secretary to visit the region.
He also used the opportunity to challenge the opposition against their anti-government protests, asking that it gives President William Ruto time to deliver on promises he made to the people.
“Our people from Kerio Valley love peace and will support the government to fight insecurity. We should also be supported in doing developmental activities,” added West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin.
