Turkana, Samburu MPs call for security enhancement in North Rift

MPs from Turkana and Samburu counties now want the government to enhance deployment of Kenya Police Reservists in the North instead of deploying millitary to deal with banditry. 

The MPs appeared before the National Assembly administration and security committee to provide an insight and workable solutions to deal with increased cases of banditry in Turkana and Samburu counties. 

Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuda narrated how bandits were terrorising residents of Samburu county despite the presence of Kenya Defense forces.

"The GSU and ASTU are doing a good job. But we don't understand what KDF are doing. Raids are happening right outside their camps and they can't help." said Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuda.

Samburu leaders want the government to establish a new subcounty in Samburu county to enhance administration.

Further, the Samburu West MP has called for building of access roads in Samburu county to open up the marginalised area.

Turkana MPs pushed for clear definition of sub county boundaries to minimise intercommunity conflicts.

Turkana South MP John Ariko attributed the rising insecurity cases to commercialisation of banditry.

"We need to have a meeting with the president of Kenya as MPs from the north because the CS has failed," said the MP.

Turkana North MP Ekwom Nabuin informed the committee of complacency between the security agencies in Turkana and bandits.

 "We've had cases of Kenya police vehicles aiding entry of foreigners along Turkana-Ethiopia border. We recommend gazettement of border points in Turkana North and recruitment of Police Reservists be done at the local level," said Turkana North MP.

 MPs from both Turkana and Samburu counties submitted to the committee that the bandits were being mobilised from Tiaty in Baringo county.

 The committee chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo resolved to invite Tiaty MP William Kamket to defend his character after he was adversely mentioned in the inquiry.