Ruto says government is relying on KDF to end banditry in Kenya
President William Ruto has said the government is relying on Kenya Defence Forces to end banditry in every part of the country.
Speaking on Friday in Lanet, Nakuru County when he presided over the graduation ceremony of General Service Officer Cadets.
“It is unfortunate that for many generations now parts of our country have been besieged by armed bandits who have killed innocent, peaceful and law-abiding citizens and plundered communities with impunity,” Ruto said.
“We have made our commitment to end banditry in every part of Kenya and we shall rely on KDF.”
On February 13, in a mission to crack down on banditry that has rendered some parts of Northern Kenya no-go zones, Ruto ordered a joint KDF-Police security operation in all bandit-prone areas starting Tuesday, February 14.
He also ordered a 3-day amnesty for the surrender of firearms in the said regions.
“We have made our commitment to end cattle rustling, banditry and other criminal activities in every part of Kenya… Every bandit must be brought to book, every illegal gun surrendered willingly or by force and every child must go back to school,” Ruto said.
In an effort to restore peace and security to the North Rift region, Ruto also issued instructions for Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to relocate from Nairobi and reside in the area until the insecurity crisis is solved.
In Tiaty, Baringo County, there are villages with no form of government whatsoever. There are no schools, no roads, no hospitals, not even churches.
In Nadome village, residents have been left to their own devices, including providing their own security during raids, and fending off attackers in unforgiving terrain that security boots do not dare set foot in.
NTV Presents: Wild Wild North – Inside the unending banditry in Baringo