Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said the war against banditry in the North Rift region has borne fruit, a success he is pleased with.
Locals had been subjected to living a nightmare, he said, where attackers ruthlessly killed and maimed people and stole animals.
“I have just finished my tour of duty as Interior CS and during that time, we had some criminals in the name of bandits who were terrorising residents in this region. I am happy that we made good progress in dealing with them so that our people can enjoy peace,” KIndiki said.
The DP recalled the war on banditry during his speech at Chepsaita in Uasin Gishu on Saturday, where he was the chief guest during the Great Chepsaita Cross Country race whose patron Farouk Kibet was also present.
Kibet, who is also President William Ruto’s aide, said with improved roads and other infrastructure, the area would develop to become Chep- saita city.
While serving as Interior CS, Kindiki led a multi-agency, KDF-backed security operation to fight banditry that had ravaged lives in parts of Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Samburu.
The guns have gone silent, but KDF is still stationed in most areas where the government has been working to rebuild schools and other public amenities that were destroyed.
Kindiki said the government will not relent until all remnants of banditry are vanquished.
He also warned that doping in athletics was a major threat to sports, which is dominant in the region.
Those perpetrating doping would be treated like bandits as criminals - saying those selling drugs to children were enemies of the country and should not be entertained.
“Just like we did with banditry, we will use the same energy to fight those selling drugs to our athletes and children and I’m sure we will succeed,” Kindiki said.
“We know there are criminals selling drugs to our athletes and even children and as the government, we will fight them at all costs. We will fight doping and we will succeed.”
"Kenya is a “great name in world athletics”, he said, but regrettably, there were criminals working to destroy athletics and the careers of many young athletes through doping.
Kindiki said the government was keen to continue supporting athletics so that Kenya can regain dominance.
The Chepsaita race has been classified in the annual calendar for both Athletics Kenya and World Athletics.
He thanked Kibet for successfully hosting the event and veteran athletes, led by Kipchoge Keino, for being patriotic and marketing the country internationally.
“Sports is an instrument that speeds and strengthens the unity of our country. I have seen so many talents here and there were so many young people running for education as the theme of the races goes.“
He said success in life required education in all sectors including medicine, sports, and business.
“Education makes us equal and we thank the sponsors for making this event a success,” Kindiki said.
The DP also called on Kenyans to protect women and girls from GBV and femicide.
“Those who are out to hurt our women and girls should know that we will also fight them because they are just like terrorists and bandits,” he said.
The race was attended by several CSs, MPs, and current and retired athletes. Athletics Kenya president, Jack Tuwei, warned that athletes from other countries would avoid running with Kenyans because of doping.
CS for Sports, Kipchumba Mur- komen, also encouraged athletes to run clean and shun the vice.
