At least 172 illegal firearms have been recovered in ongoing
Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift.
The operation has also seen a significant drop in cattle
rustling cases, the Ministry of Interior said on Wednesday.
“The operation has led to a 62 per cent reduction in the number of cattle rustling occurrences, with cases dropping from 63,054 stolen livestock to 23,668—a decline of 39,386 heads of cattle,” the ministry said.
“Notably, 172 illegal firearms were collected during mop-up
exercises and 10,173 livestock have been recovered,” the statement said.
During the same period, 250 suspects, including 14 political
leaders, were arrested and prosecuted.
Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift was launched in February 2023.
It is a government security initiative that targeted escalating banditry, cattle rustling, and violence in nine counties.
They include Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru.
Hot spot areas in these counties were designated as 'Disturbed' and 'Dangerous'.
The operation brought together the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a coordinated effort to restore peace and stability in the region.
“The security situation in the North Rift has significantly
improved and this is attributed to the efforts of this multi-agency approach.”
Security officers on the ground have effectively disarmed
hundreds of bandits, dismantled their hideouts in the rugged terrain, and
restored stability to affected communities.
To strengthen local security, the government has restructured the management and command of the National Police Reservists. In 2023, a total of 1,702 reservists were recruited and trained in Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, Meru, Turkana, and West Pokot.
At least 400 reservists in Elgeyo Marakwet and in Isiolo,
were re-armed to supplement the ongoing security operations in the area.
To enhance governance and improve service delivery, the Government gazetted 126 new administrative units across Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Meru, and Laikipia Counties.
This initiative is
aimed at strengthening local administration, improving resource allocation, and
enabling a more effective response to security challenges.
According to the ministry, uninterrupted learning was experienced this year with candidates sitting for their KPSEA and KCSE exams without any security challenges.
A budget of Sh100 million was allocated to
rehabilitate 34 out of 39 schools closed due to banditry-related violence and
displacement.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has played a crucial role in this reconstruction effort and to date, 26 schools have reopened and at least 4,000 children went back to school marking a significant step towards recovery.
Renovations have been completed or are underway in 21
schools, with Baringo County being the most affected.
“No schools were closed in Elgeyo Marakwet County and all
previously closed schools in Laikipia and Samburu are now operational,” the
statement added.
“While we celebrate the progress made, 13 schools remain closed and pupils relocated to other schools, primarily in Baringo, West Pokot, and Turkana Counties. We recognize that the journey to lasting peace is ongoing and as we move forward with Operation Maliza Uhalifu, we will continue to build on these gains for a safe North Rift and secure Kenya.”
The operation is ongoing.
