Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich is calling for the establishment of two more KDF camps in Kerio Valley to help restore security in areas affected by banditry.
He made the call after bandits shot dead two more people in the area where a KDF-backed security operation has helped to restore relative calm since the beginning of this year.
The two people were shot by bandits in Kamologon and Chesegon.
Evans Kiprono Chemakilus was shot dead by bandits at Kamologon forest while Joseph Betaki was killed in Chesegon.
“The latest killings are disheartening even as we laud the government for the action taken so far to end banditry following the launch of the ongoing security operation,” Rotich said.
The governor, who was speaking in Kerio Valley, said the presence of KDF in Kolowa, which borders Tiaty and Elgeyo Marakwet had restored peace in the area.
He urged Defense and Interior CSs to fast-track the establishment of another two permanent military camps in the region.
"Since a military camp was establishment in Todo on the border of Tiaty and our county, normalcy has returned in the area and people from the two neighbouring counties are relating well," he said.
Areas earmarked for the new KDF camps include Kamologon and Samo in Kapyego and Kerio Valley.
The governor said he had consulted Defence CS Aden Duale to discuss the latest insecurity menace in our county.
"I'm glad to report that both the ministries of Defence and Interior will expedite the establishment of two military camps immediately to contain the wanton killing of innocent citizens by the bandits," he said.
Rotich said the security operation in counties affected by banditry had been largely successful and the establishment of more permanent security camps would deal the final blow to the banditry menace.
"The latest killings are shocking. We are left wondering why this is happening. The attacks will soon stop once the permanent KDF camps are set up in areas where bandits still operate," he said.
Peter Kurui, a resident of Kaben, said they were still living in fear because the security operation was yet to seal off all areas used by bandits as hideouts and attack routes in the region.
Rotich said new security roads opened up in the region would also help security officers to operate effectively.
