Gov't recovers 172 firearms, makes 250 arrests in war against banditry

Titled Operation Maliza Uhalifu, the government deployed the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to restore stability across the hotspot areas; Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru.

The State also managed to recover 172 illegal firearms and 10,173 livestock during the mop-up exercises. 

At the same time, 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders, were arrested and prosecuted on suspicion of orchestrating violence within the region. 

"The security situation in the North Rift has significantly improved and this is attributed to the efforts of this multi-agency approach," the statement read in part. 

"Security officers on the ground have effectively disarmed hundreds of bandits, dismantled their hideouts in the rugged terrain, and restored stability to affected communities."

Over 1,702 reservists were recruited and trained to enhance the operation in Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, Meru, Turkana and West Pokot. 

The State also gazetted 126 new administrative units across the region to strengthen local administration and enable a more effective response to security challenges. 

The operation also enhanced security in the North Rift, allowing candidates to sit KCSE and KPSEA exams without security challenges. 

The KDF also played a part in rebuilding 26 schools that were closed due to banditry. 

"No schools were closed in Elgeyo Marakwet County and all previously closed schools in Laikipia and Samburu are now operational."

While acknowledging the achievements, the Interior Ministry acknowledged that more efforts are needed to reopen 13 schools that remain closed in Baringo, West Pokot and Turkana Counties.