CS Kindiki Meets Baringo Leaders to Discuss Banditry in the Region

CS Kithure Kindiki alongside Baringo Leaders at his Harambee Office in Nairobi.PHOTO/MINA

By Cynthia Lodite,

The Interior Cabinet Secretary Professor Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday 29 February met with leaders from Baringo County at his Harambee Office in Nairobi.

In a statement to newsrooms, Kindiki noted that the meeting was set up as part of the wider efforts to restore security in the North region that suffered the brunt of banditry and cattle rustling.

Likewise in the statement released through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration (MINA) , part of the meeting was aimed at assessing the ongoing security operations in Baringo and identifying gaps.

While discussing the North Region security Kindiki assured Baringo leaders that the Government is continuously engaging stakeholders in addressing the security threats.

“To get long-term solutions to National Security threats, the Government is continuously engaging with various stakeholders and reviewing the interventions required to address historical, current and emerging security challenges from the grassroots, upwards to the National level,” said Kindiki.

Meanwhile, Baringo leaders present in the meeting were Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, Senator William Cheptumo, Woman Representative Florence Jematiah, MPs Joseph Makilap of Baringo North, William Kamket of Tiaty.

On the other hand, others included Eldama Ravine Member of Parliament Musa Sirma, Joshua Kandie of Baringo Central,Charles Kamuren of Baringo South, Reuben Kiborek of Mogotio and Bishop Jackson Kosgey Nominated Member of Parliament.

Notably, the security campaign, which is also being conducted in five other bandit prone counties, involves the National Police Service (NPS) backed by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel.

Further during the discussions with the local leaders, CS Kindiki emphasized on the government’s firm stance that security operations will not be politicized or ethnicized.

He noted that any individual, regardless of political affiliation, found to be instigating insecurity will face arrest and prosecution.

“Any political leader found culpable of financing, planning or inciting banditry, livestock rustling, or retaliatory attacks will be apprehended and arraigned, their political persuasions or influence notwithstanding,”said Kindiki.