KDF deployed at Kenya-Uganda border to annihilate bandits

The Government has deployed Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers at the border of Kenya and Uganda to restore peace and order.

The Kanyerus area of West Pokot has seen a spate of banditry incidents in recent past, with deadly cattle rustling activities executed.

Kanyerus area, at the Kenya-Uganda Border has been the hotspot of insecurity for the last two weeks. KDF has been deployed to restore peace and order in the area.

The genesis

Two weeks ago, a serious conflict ensued between the Sebei and Pokot communities. The Pokots are accused of raiding Uganda, killing residents before stealing hundreds of livestock.

All these insecurity tendencies culminated in the macabre killing of a Ugandan councillor.

The resulting tension has seen a section of residents flee their homes and schools to suspend learning activities.

Security officers during a meeting with locals in Kanyerus area, West Pokot County. The officials are urging residents to cooperate with security officers in volunteering information that can lead to the arrest of the criminals that have been terrorising residents.

Multi-agency operation

The KDF officers are carrying out a multi-agency operation with police officers to annihilate bandits in the region.

Kacheliba OCPD Victor Nzaka is urging the residents to cooperate with security officers to rid the area of the criminals.

“There are few residents who are cooperating with us… but there are others who are collaborating with criminals from Uganda infiltrating this area,” the OCPD rued.

Normalcy slowly returning

Abdi Kassim, a resident, wants security beefed up in both sides of Kenya and Uganda, if the operation is to succeed.

“We are pleading with the authorities to deploy security officers in both sides of Kenya and Uganda. This will help in safeguarding people’s property,” he said.

Normalcy is gradually returning in the area, with some residents returning to their homes and some schools re-opening.