President Ruto vows to boost security in Turkana

President William Ruto has made a commitment to ensuring the security of the people of Turkana.

The President spoke on Thursday at the Ekalees Cultural Center where he presided over the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival dubbed ‘Tobong’u Lore’, which translates to ‘welcome back home.’

Ruto spoke firmly against criminal elements in the North Eastern county, reiterating his now popular ‘mambo ni matatu’ slogan for such rogue actors.

The Head of State directed Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki to deploy more National Police Reserve (NPR) officers to Turkana to reinforce the county’s security forces.

“We have gotten rid of thugs in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet and we are aware of claims that those thugs have moved to Kapedo. I want to tell all these criminals that there are only three things left for them to do; leave Kenya, go to prison, or go to heaven,” he said.

“We cannot allow for these few people to terrorize our peace, and so Kindiki will be here next week to arrange for that, as well as to see to it that peace prevails in Turkana.”

He added: “Plans are already underway to have NPR officers complete their training in the next 3 weeks and come help in the maintaining of security in this area.”

Additionally, the Head of State acknowledged the critical role of education in the county's progress. 

He assured residents that schools that had been closed or damaged due to insecurity will be reopened, a move aimed at ensuring that the children of Turkana County have access to quality education. 

“820 teachers have just been employed in Turkana alone. However, if there are no children in school, what purpose will these teachers serve? We want our children back in school because we do not want any child left behind in matters of education,” he said.

Furthermore, President Ruto revealed that he had initiated diplomatic discussions with his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni to secure the release of Turkana pastoralists who were arrested and are presently detained in the neighbouring country.

“The Ugandan President has agreed to have talks on the release of herders who are being detained in Uganda,” he posited.

He went on to state that water dams will also be constructed in the county to ensure that residents have easy access to clean water and reduce the need for them to search for it elsewhere.

On matters of health, Ruto revealed plans to deploy 2,300 community health promoters who will be tasked with delivering essential health services to residents of Turkana in a bid to prevent illnesses from reaching critical stages and becoming a burden for the people.

“I have already disbursed Ksh.70 million that will help purchase health equipment to serve the people of Turkana County,” he remarked.

“We want to start prevention of illnesses, before reaching critical stages and becoming an issue to people.”

He further declared that Kenya will soon become Visa-free, thereby inviting people from around the world to explore Turkana's unique cultural and natural heritage. 

“This is the cradle of mankind, so this is not a Turkana or national celebration but rather a global celebration for humanity,” he stated.