Catholic Bishop of Eldoret Dominic Kimengich has warned over a resurgence of banditry and insecurity in Kerio Valley, where a KDF-led operation has been going on for about two years.
Bishop Kimengich said the latest reports from the region indicate there were cases of recent attacks by bandits in villages, causing deaths of several residents.
Kimengich regretted that armed bandits were still able to operate in the region and terrorise residents, despite heavy security deployment.
“The government should not allow a few people to take us back with killing of innocent people in Kerio Valley,” Kimengich said.
He urged security teams in the region to stamp their authority and deal with those still perpetrating banditry. The bishop said the government invested heavily in security operations in Kerio Valley and banditry should not be allowed to thrive.
“Everything possible must be done to secure the lives of people in Kerio Valley who have suffered for many years as a result of insecurity,” he said.
Kimengich, who spoke at is office in Eldoret, commended the KDF-led security operation in the region for restoring peace in most areas and helping to rebuild schools.
“So far, the security teams have done well but they should not relax and allow resurgence of banditry because we need peace in that region so that our people can benefit from development like other Kenyans.”
He said the national government, counties and development partners should invest more in the Kerio Valley to help residents enjoy accelerated development.
“We need more roads, water projects, schools and other amenities that can benefit the people in Kerio Valley and help them transform their lives after many years of banditry ravaging the region,” Kimengich said.
The security operation in the region covers Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo and Samburu which have for long been affected by banditry.
The operation started at the time Deputy President Kithure Kindiki served as CS for Interior before the docket was taken over by CS Kipchumba Murkomen.
Like Kindiki, Murkomen has vowed to ensure banditry does not reemerge in the region. Recent incidents were reported in Baringo, where a chief was among those killed. Several people have also been killed in Elgeyo Marakwet and Samburu.
“As a church we, will continue to preach peace and pray for our people so that peace can always prevail,” Kimengich said.
Two weeks ago, some residents from the North Rift region came to the defence of Murkomen, dismissing allegations that he is not doing enough to tackle insecurity in parts of the country.
The residents, led by Kimaiya Minanyang and Kibor Tuliaki, termed media reports a smear campaign to discredit the good work of the CS.
“We know there is a deliberate attempt by some leaders to tarnish the image of Murkomen whose political star is rising because of the good work he is doing,” Minanyang said.
The residents particularly took issue with an article by a particular media house, noting it was not only outrageous but also misleading.
They said security matters are a collective responsibility where everyone in the society, including the media, should participate if peace and stability are to be realised.
“What has been published about Murkomen is a personal vendetta against him,” said Tuliaki.
They
dismissed claims that insecurity had
increased since Murkomen took ove
the Interior docket.
Minanyang said acts of lawlessness
have drastically reduced.
