State wants North Rift leaders to plug into operation against banditry

The government has sought assurance from North Rift Members of Parliament that they will shoulder more responsibility in the war against the banditry menace that has served their constituents with decades of horror and deprivation.

Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has said this is one of the behind-the-scenes attempts to end the crimes and atrocities visited on innocent civilians and open the region to socioeconomic development.

“All we are seeking is an unwavering commitment to the peace cause. All these leaders have to bear responsibility, both individually and collectively,” Dr. Omollo said during a consultative meeting with six of the legislators at Harambee House on Tuesday.

The PS challenged the leaders to leverage their influence at the grassroots and help security agencies isolate the criminals from law-abiding citizens during the ongoing operation.

The PS said: “Previous attempts to pacify the region have run into a wall of non-cooperation and resistance. It’s not just hard force. We intend to deploy smart warfare and progressively deplete the enemy’s fighting force. The area leaders have a lot of influence, and we believe they are critical assets in this operation.”

The MPs, Julius Rutto (Kesses), David Kiplagat (Soi), Gideon Kimaiyo (Keiyo South), Abraham Kirwa (Mosop), Timothy Toroitich (Marakwet West) and Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), all committed to actively support the ongoing disarmament exercise and efforts to smoke out the bandits from their hideouts.