Government Applies Lethal Force To Deal With Banditry In Kenya’s Northern Counties
Following an increment in animal raiding, property destruction and attacks on innocent Kenyans in the Northern parts of Kenya, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki was on 13th February at Nakuru State Lodge declared Northern Kenyan counties dangerous and allow the use of lethal force to deal with bandits.
Counties of Baringo, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu and Elgeyo Marakwet have for a long stand claimed lives of security agents in the country leaving the state in awe over threats and fears that calls upon the installation of security in the mentioned counties.
In the past six months, the areas have claimed 100 civilian lives and 16 police officers by bandits and now, the interior CS Kindiki has issued a notice of national security emergency in the areas.
“In the last six months, over 100 civilians and 16 police officers have lost their lives to the livestock bandits in Northern Rift Valley of Kenya.
“The massive killings of innocent civilians by bandits have in the process resulted to destruction of properties like schools and police vehicles. Therefore, this calls upon stringent lethal force to effectively eject the bandits “ said the CS Kindiki in a meeting with Baringo leaders on Monday.
Earlier, President William Ruto ordered for the joint KDF- Police security operations in the deadly counties which a national gazette published the deployment of KDF security agents in the areas.
“Kenya Defence Forces Act, 2012, notice is given that on the 15th February 2023, Kenya Defence Force shall be deployed in support of the National Police Service in response to the security emergency in Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu counties caused by rampant incidents of banditry” reads the notice signed by Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Defence.
Starting on 14th February 2023, more security will be deployed in the areas and also have a 3- day amnesty surrender of firearms by the bandits.
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