The government will soon start compensating victims of bandit attacks in the North Rift in a new proposal by Members of Parliament (MPs) from the affected regions.
The Cohesion Committee and MPs from the affected constituencies made the decision after an extensive meeting on Friday, April 12, 2024.
During the meeting, the Committee advised Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and Inspector General (IG) of police Japhet Koome on how to end banditry in the North Rift region.
Chaired by Kamukunji MP Yussuf Hassan, the committee made proposals aimed at amicably resolving the unending attacks in the bandit prone region.
It was agreed that the government should set up a fund to facilitate compensation for victims who lost lives and property to attacks that were instigated by bandits.
Other Proposals
They also want a legislation that will safeguard the National Police Reservists Unit, remodel the unit, define their roles, and enhance their training.
Members resolved that a ministry dedicated to issues of North Rift region equivalent to the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs of Uganda should be established to deal with marginalization of the region.
Besides, the meeting also proposed that firearms should be regulated through issuing of G3 guns to government security officers and NPRs to distinguish them from illegal gun owners.
Members further proposed that borders of constituencies and counties be clearly defined to avoid conflicts due to uncontrolled grazing.
The meeting noted that education was key to ending banditry and resolved that the government should forcefully drive residents into seeking education so as to alleviate illiteracy.
The Chairperson commended the MPs for sparing time to attend the meeting that was useful to efforts to deal with conflicts that hampered peaceful co-existence and cohesion.
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Ruto Promise to Eradicate Bandit Attacks
Speaking on April 12, President William Ruto promised to act against bandits and end the ongoing attacks in the North Rift region.
He said the government will invest Ksh25 billion to import security weapons for the security officers to reduce the increasing number of attacks.
“I have enough equipment now these criminals will face it. We will deal with them ruthlessly will increase National Police Reserve police and our plan is to ensure insecure places have reinforced security,” Ruto said in Laikipia County.
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Ruto pledged to restore peace in banditry-prone counties like Samburu, Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Baringo.
“I have given firm instructions on this Northern Part of Kenya to ensure we deal with bandits. These cases you are hearing are just kicks of a dying horse. We are going to secure our country,” he added.
The president’s remarks came a day after bandit attacks were reported in parts of Laikipia county.
Resident appealed to the government to tighten security in the region by deploying National Police Reservists.
