CS Duale gazettes deployment of KDF officers to banditry-stricken North Rift

Michael Majanga for Tv47 Digital February 14, 2023, 06:38 AM

Duale gazettes deployment of KDF in north rift — A file photo of Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. On February 13, 2023, Duale gazetted the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces to support the National Police Service in dealing with bandits in the North Rift.

In Summary

At the same time, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared a 30-day curfew in bandit-stricken counties of Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, Samburu and Laikipia.

CS Kindiki has banned all public gatherings, processions or movement, either alone or as a group during the period of the curfew except as has been permitted in writing by the Inspector-General of the National Police Service.

President William Ruto on Monday, February 13 ordered for a joint National Police Service (NPS) and Kenya Defence Forces security operations in banditry-stricken North Rift region.

Speaking to local leaders in Nakuru, President Ruto - who is the Commander in Chief of the KDF - also announced a three-day disarmament exercise starting today (February 14).

During this time, both locals and bandits will be allowed to surrender firearms without any repercussions.

Following President Ruto's orders, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale went on to gazette the deployment of KDF officers to support the police in securing the troubled region.

"Pursuant to Article 241 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, as read with section 31 of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, 2012, notice is given that on the 15th of February, 2023, the Kenya Defence Forces shall be deployed in support of the National Police Service in response to the security emergency in Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu counties caused by rampant incidences of banditry," the gazette notice reads.