President William Ruto has promised to establish two more sub-counties in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Speaking in Iten, on January 14, the head of state agreed with the local leaders who advocated for the establishment of Kerio Valley Sub-County.
“I will do it in the way that I have planned so that we can get insecurity out of Elgeyo Marakwet and Kerio Valley.
The only thing I agree with the other leaders is that we have Kerio Valley Sub-County and that of Kolowa,” said Ruto.
The President further explained that the plan will restore peace within the county especially in Kerio Valley.
“I have instructed Interior CS Kithure Kindiki that those sub-counties must be operationalized in the next ninety days so that they are functional,” added Ruto.
Ruto on Placing Security Agencies
President Ruto revealed that security agencies will be placed in strategic locations along the river to allow people to continue with their businesses without disruptions.
“We have also agreed with the Inspector General of Police, Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) on how to deploy the security agencies. There is no need for security officers to stay in shops,” explained Ruto.
He also emphasized that the government would fight banditry in the region in line with his manifesto.
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“The commitment I want to make to you is that Kerio Valley is peaceful, our children are going to school, and citizens are going about their business without condemnation,” he said.
Additionally, Ruto said the government will build a military camp within the Valley to bring banditry to a stop.
“The military officers will not leave until peace is restored; we are moving the military here permanently. Infact I will build a big military barracks here. Training of KDF officers which is currently going at Moi Barracks will be relocated to this place,” said Ruto.
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Modern Equipment
President Ruto also said the government will invest in modern equipment for security agencies, especially the police officers.
This he says will help in the fight against insecurity in the region.
Besides, Ruto urged local residents in possession of guns to surrender them to the government.
He emphasized that he would unite all the communities within the Kerio Valley so that they put an end to banditry.
“The people of Kerio Valley from Baringo, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot to Turkana, we are going to have peace in that region,” stated Ruto.
Ruto was in company of other leaders including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Senate Majority Leader Aoron Cheruiyot and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah.
