Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a 7-day ultimatum to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officers and local Chiefs from the Marakwet, Pokot, and Baringo regions, demanding immediate action to address the escalating insecurity in the area.
This warning comes in response to distressing reports of banditry-related violence in the region, which resulted in the tragic deaths of at least ten individuals, including a relative of Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
In an effort to combat the menace, the CS further furnished the police officers and the local Chiefs with a list of 20 suspects whom he ordered must be arrested within seven days.
“We have not come here for a birthday. There are OCSs here who are working with these criminals and I have their names with me,” Duale stated.
The list of suspects was provided to Duale by local elders during his visit to the Marakwet and Pokot regions. Security reports indicate that the recent surge in violence is largely linked to disputes over pasture and land.
We have not come here for a birthday party. There are OCSs here who are working with those criminals and I have their names
Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, during his visit to Marakwet and Pokot
Duale went on to emphasize that the government would handle these culprits in the same manner as security officers who cooperate with terrorists.
Long-term security measures
In further efforts to restore peace in the region, Duale also pledged to establish two military camps in the affected areas.
Additionally, Murkomen, who was present at the meeting, vowed to oversee the construction of 13 roads in Kerio Valley as a measure to mitigate insecurity.
However, the meeting was not without its moments of tension.
A clash erupted between Duale and Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Jeptoo regarding the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers in the region.
Jeptoo had expressed her concerns that KDF soldiers from the Marakwet and Pokot communities should not be sent to the area.
However, Duale, in response, grabbed the microphone from the Woman Representative and cautioned her against introducing tribalism into military matters.
