The government is contemplating on imposing a 30-day-curfew in the troubled Kerio Valley region as it seeks to launch a massive disarmament operation in in the North Rift region.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi says the move is aimed at restoring peace in the area following a spate of attacks that have left dozens dead and hundreds injured.
Matiangi said the government intends to carry out two critical exercises in the area including the reorganization deployment of security personnel.
“Subject to clearance by the National Security Council, we are contemplating a declaration of a curfew in parts of that area so that we can have an intensified operation such as we have in Marsabit,” said Matiangi
Speaking when he met Senior Security and National Government Administration Officers at the APTC in Nairobi’s Embakasi, CS said that the belt between Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Baringo needs a new approach following the failure of current interventions.
“That time has now come for us to deal with that belt with unprecedented firmness and we are going to apply fire they haven’t seen to bring order to that particular place,” the CS said.
Matiangi said security agencies believe there are several criminal elements in the area who are challenging the resolve of the government noting they will be dealt with ruthlessly.
He added that his office will be issuing a gazette notice on the planned operation which describes the limits of the activities of the security agencies involved.
“We are moving to occupy that place for now and for the foreseeable future and to carry out a very stiff operation in that place. The citizens of that part of our country need to know we are going to apply ourselves in a very tough manner,” Matiangi said.
