He told the Kerio Valley residents that the area would be transformed, just like other
regions across the country.
This is not the first time Ruto has announced the plan to permanently station officers in the troubled area.
President William Ruto with Elgeiyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen in Tot on January 9, 2025.
President William Ruto has reassured the residents of Kerio Valley of their security amid the banditry attacks that has over the years plagued the area.
Ruto who was speaking after commissioning Liter Girls School in Tot said his government is fully committed to ensuring the area is safe for its people.
He announced that the security officers currently deployed to the area will stay there permanently to respond to any cases of insecurity.
“I want to assure you that the police and KDF officers who are here will stay until we built them barracks so that those criminals cannot come back again,” he said.
According to the head of state, the bandits have in the past exploit the temporary nature of security deployments where when officers were sent to the region, they would flee only to return once the security forces left.
“This time round, the military is going to have permanent station here, the police will have permanent training stations here so that we kick out insecurity from Kerio valley,” he added.
He emphasized that Kerio Valley would be transformed, just like other regions, as part of the government's broader vision of development and stability.
This is not the first time Ruto has announced the plan to permanently station officers in the troubled area.
Speaking at a church service in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet in January 2024, he announced plans to relocate KDF from Eldoret to the troubled area.
"I want to assure the people of Kerio Valley, from Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Samburu to Turkana, that they are going to enjoy peace," he said.
He also warned those in possession of illegal arms to surrender them to the government or face the consequences.
Various security teams which include GSU, Special Operations Group (SOG) and the military have been in the area for the last two years.
