The Ministry of Interior has changed its tactics in fighting livestock theft in Baringo County.
Initially, the focus was only on recovering stolen livestock but Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Friday announced a three-pronged approach.
Speaking in Silale ward, Kindiki stated that the government has deployed specialised security officers such as the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and the General Service Unit whose work will be to prevent the theft of livestock.
In the event of successful livestock theft, Kindiki made it clear that security agencies must recover all the stolen animals and arrest the persons involved in the theft and storage.
"So other than preventing livestock, we must recover. When we recover. We must also recover the suspects. And when it happens, we must be able to recover the livestock," Kindiki said.
"In addition, we must also produce the suspects who were found without livestock.," he stated.
Also, the CS highlighted that armed criminals engaged in livestock theft who challenge security officers must be neutralised in accordance with the law and laid out regulations.
Kindiki was speaking during the inauguration of the Awkichatis GSU camp in Silale Camp, Tiaty Constituency in Baringo County.
Going further, the Interior boss stated that Silale ward remains a disturbed and dangerous area until further notice.
In March, Kindiki declared parts of the six counties of the North Rift Valley disturbed and dangerous as he beefed up efforts in the fight against banditry.
The counties that had gazetted areas as dangerous included West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Laikipia, Baringo, Samburu, and Turkana.
Earlier on, CS Kindiki had emphasized that the days of armed criminals terrorising people with impunity are long gone.
"The Government of Kenya under the leadership of President William Ruto will fulfill all its pledges and we are determined to end permanently, the shame of cattle rustling and banditry," Kindiki said.
Tough-talking Kindiki also said that security officers are directed to ruthlessly pursue criminals and use the firearms issued to them lawfully to protect the people of Kenya and their property.