Some 400 new members of the National Police Reservists (NPR) graduated at an event in Laisamis, Marsabit County to boost an ongoing operation against banditry in the region.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat presided over the event as the group from the local communities graduated after undergoing a month-long training session.
The training focused on general police duties, weapon handling, safety, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. NPRs assist NPS in accordance with Chapter 54 of the Service Standing Orders.
Lagat said the group will boost an ongoing operation under Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift targeting bandits.
“The cattle rustling menace has been a hindrance to development in this region and other parts of the country and the NPR now comes in handy to help tame the menace,” he said.
“We will continue to invest in this region because it has the potential of development for the good of the entire country.”
Lagat said multi-agency teams will continue with their operations to address the cattle rustling menace and other crimes in Marsabit, Meru, Isiolo, Samburu, Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Laikipia and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties.
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.
The larger Kerio Valley region is experiencing a lull from gun attacks linked to cattle rustling due to measures put in place to address the menace.
President William Ruto visited the area on Sunday January 5 and announced the government’s efforts to ward off threats against the country have borne fruit and will continue until every part is secure.
He said in addition to dealing with banditry in the Kerio Valley, the government will ensure that health facilities, schools and other social amenities are restored in the region.
He said the government will reopen schools that were closed during the period the region experienced severe insecurity and banditry.
“In the next three months, all the schools must be reopened and all children must be back to school,” he said.
In December, 2024, officials said 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.