•The Defence boss noted that President William Ruto was dealing with three major issues affecting the country.
•Duale however vowed to use his position to ensure that security is restored in the country, especially in the North Rift region.
Image: KDF
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has emphasized that the government is on track in dealing with banditry.
Speaking on Sunday, the CS stated that no one will be spared when found with illegal possession of firearms.
"This year we have a different strategy and we will not tell you. We will deal with the criminals. That one you can take it. We have firm instructions," Duale said in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet.
" Bunduki ni ya serikali…Hakuna bundiki ya kuchunga ng’ombe.Tukikupata na bunduki ukichunga ng’ombe, basi usilaumi security sector."
The Defence boss,however, vowed to use his position to ensure that security is restored in the country, especially in the North Rift region.
"President Ruto is dealing with three major issues which are affecting Kenya: Corruption, tribalism and impunity but on the matter of security,Ruto as the chairman of the National Security Council and as the commander in chief of Kenya’s Defence Forces has given us firm instructions to deal with the banditry menace in the six North Rift counties," he said.
Last month, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced a new method that he will use to end banditry.
The CS said that the government will soon place bounties on bandits commanders.
"We are going to place a value on the heads of commanders of banditry and any citizen or security officer who helps apprehend these criminals will be rewarded," Kindiki said.
The Interior boss stated it won't be business as usual in 2024.
"Chiefs and assistant chiefs know where these rustlers come from, their homes, and where they keep the stolen animals. A government officer can't continue receiving a salary yet in their jurisdiction, acts of cattle rustling continue unabated," he said.
"Such officers will be relieved of their duties and I can assure you that in 2024, such officers will have to give way."
Addressing the security officers, the CS urged them to use weapons to protect themselves and civilians from armed criminals.
Kindiki told the officers not to allow an armed criminal to put them down.
"Deal with them ruthlessly and know that the government will protect and defend you. What we will not do is defend any officer who misuses their firearms, he said.
In addition, Kindiki urged the security officers not to be tricked by politicians who may politicise the fight against banditry.
"Don't be deterred by any politician, regardless of their popularity or influence. We have decided that there will be no way or avenue for playing politics with security operations," he said.