The curfew in parts of Kerio Valley to help end banditry has been extended for another month, despite residents' pleas to lift it before the general election.
Rift Valley regional commissioner Maalim Mohamed said the dusk-to-dawn curfew has been extended on orders from Interior CS Fred Matiang'i.
Speaking after a security meeting in Nakuru on Monday, Matiang'i said the extended curfew would enable security teams to restore full security and eliminate banditry and illegal weapons.
“We have recovered a very high number of illegal arms and we want to continue doing the same until we completely clean up the area," he said.
More than 70 illegal arms have been seized, a very small number.
He said the curfew would not interfere with the general election.
Matiang'i said security teams including GSU had stepped up patrols to prevent banditry before, during and after the polls next Tuesday.
Contingents of heavily armed security teams have been seen patrolling several areas along the borders between Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Baringo counties.
Mohammed said security had been enhanced in all areas in the valley.
“We will ensure we do not have insecurity challenges again especially during the election period," Mohamed said.
He urged leaders and residents to continue supporting the anti-banditry operation.
A group of residents has been pressuring the government to lift the curfew ahead of the polls.
Some leaders in the region, including MPs William Kisang of Marakwet West and Bowen Kangogo of Marakwet East said the curfew has been useful in restoring peace.
No major attacks have been reported since June 8 when Matiang'i visited and imposed tough security measures, including curfew, more patrols, deployment of National Police Reservists and other measures.
Community representatives led by Donald Kibet said they had petitioned Matiang'i to lift the curfew before polls but now hope it will not interfere with polling.
“We are happy with the security measures but we urge that our people be free to participate in the election process," Kibet said.
The region, especially along borders between the three counties, have been stricken by banditry before the government moved in a month ago to restore order.
Leading presidential candidates Raila Odinga of Azimio and William Ruto of UDA have both campaigned in the region, pledging to use all means possible to wipe out banditry.
During the presidential debate Ruto criticised what he said was the withdrawal of police reservists from the affected counties claiming the move was politically motivated.
Matiang'i has dismissed as lies claims by Ruto that NPRs have been withdrawn.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos and his West Pokot counterpart John Lonyangapuo have also expressed satisfaction anti-banditry measures.
“We have asked the Interior ministry to deploy additional security teams so that our people will be safe to participate in the elections," Tolgos said.
(Edited by V. Graham)
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