By William Koome
The government has ordered arrest and prosecution of leaders found culpable of funding banditry activities in the North Rift counties currently faced with an insecurity crisis.
Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang’i revealed that there were government officials and political leaders who were misusing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and government vehicles to source and distribute illegal arms as well as coordinate attacks and ordered the security agents to arrest them.
The CS also launched a major security operation in the three affected counties of Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Baringo, that he said would bring to end the criminal activities.
Dr Matiang’i spoke after meeting leaders from the three counties in Nakuru where he was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and his PS Karanja Kibicho on Friday.
At least seven people, including a security officer, have been killed and several injured in Baringo.
Thousands of locals have since fled their homes for fear of more attacks with learning halted in more that 10 schools.
Dr Matiang’i also revealed that the government would immediately redeploy National Police Reservists who had initially been withdrawn from the areas.
This comes several days after East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Florence Jematia was arraigned over alleged incitement by threatening to arm Baringo residents to deal with bandits that continue to unleash terror in the region.
She was released on Sh1 million bond after pleading not guilty to incitement.
Karbanet Court barred the legislator from attending rallies or setting foot in Baringo South and ordered her to report at local DCI office from February 7 (Monday) to February 11, 2022.
