Trans-Nzoia governor George Natembeya has said disarming bandits should not be the only goal but also providing alternative sources of livelihood for the communities.
Natembeya urged security organs deployed in the North Rift region to critically scrutinize the situation before moving forward with the mission.
“As we prepare for the disarmament exercise, I would like to urge the security organs to critically analyze the situation and, if necessary, ensure that individuals involved in banditry and cattle rustling have an alternative provision and source of livelihood,” he wrote on Twitter.
Moreover, the governor condoled the families of police officers who have died in the North Rift region, expressing optimism that banditry shall soon end.
“There comes a time in life when we must prioritize human life, and my hope is that peace will be restored as soon as possible,” Natembeya added.
As we prepare for the disarmament exercise, I would like to urge the security organs to critically analyze the situation and, if necessary, ensure that individuals involved in banditry and cattle rustling have an alternative provision and source of livelihood.
— George Natembeya EBS (@Natembeya_G) February 12, 2023
Governor Natembeya during a prayer service attended by President William Ruto on Sunday, February 12 cited the incidences where police officers have been victims of bandit attacks in the past few days.
His remarks prompted the head of state to give a stern warning to the perpetrators and order Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki to relocate to the North Rift region until security is restored.
The North Rift counties that are most affected by banditry include Baringo, Turkana and Elgeyo Marakwet.
Furthermore, on Friday, February 10, six people among them four police officers, died in a bandit attack on the Kitale – Lodwar highway at Kaakong area of Turkana County.
Also Read: CS Kindiki to Leave his Nairobi Office and Live in the North Rift
Likewise, three people were killed and one critically injured in another attack at Kakong area in Turkana South, after bandits who pretended to be onlookers along the road ambushed a Lodwar-bound Public Service Vehicle, spraying it with bullets.
Counties that are most affected by banditry and cattle rustling include Baringo, Turkana and Elgeyo Marakwet.