Gov’t to fence off forests where bandits have been flushed out

The government through Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has issued new security directives in a bid to curb banditry and cattle rustling in the North Rift region.

CS Kindiki spoke on Thursday during his visit in the North Rift to assess the progress, successes and challenges of ‘Operation Maliza Uhalifu’ in Baringo County where he also officiated the pass out of 200 newly trained National Police Reservists (NPRs) at Kimalel.

The CS ordered the immediate fencing off of Kokoron hills and caves, Tandare valley, Arabal hills, Ng’elecha ravine and Mukogodo forest after bandits were flushed out in the ongoing operation.

“Most of the hills, gorges, ravines and escarpments where bandits were hiding are now cleaned up. We must ensure that these armed criminals don't gang up and return to those areas,” he stated.

“These areas will be fenced off and permanently dominated by a multi agency security deployment to ensure that dangerous criminals do not creep back in there to launch attacks on our people.”

The Interior boss also said that security camps will set up to ensure that armed criminals and bandits do not regroup.

He added that the government would facilitate the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers with adequate funds to oversee the reconstruction of learning institutions that were destroyed by bandits.

 “An initial allocation of Ksh.100M has been released for rehabilitation of all schools that were damaged by bandits. KDF officers will manage the reconstruction,” he said.

“Another Ksh.100M will be allocated in the second phase to complete the reconstruction.”

CS Kindiki further stated that the design for the new uniforms for NPRs is in its later stages, assuring them that the government will ensure they’re properly kitted complete with footwear to enable them execute their duties.