President William Ruto Monday ordered a joint security exercise between the National Police Service and the Kenya Defence Forces against banditry in the troubled North Rift region.
Ruto also announced a three-day voluntary disarmament exercise starting Tuesday.
This will allow for the surrender of guns with no repercussions.
The order comes a day after he ordered Interior Affairs Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to relocate to the North Rift until all attacks are addressed.
“CS Kindiki is not here today because he was in Baringo today. He was in Turkana yesterday. I have told him to leave his office in Nairobi to go and live in the North Rift until the banditry comes to an end,” said Ruto on Sunday.
He said his government has extensively strategized on fighting banditry in the coming days, saying he will ensure no more life lost through bandit attacks.
“We have put in place all measures we can in our capacity as the government. We will deal with those few proud individuals and make sure no Kenyan loses their life to them,” he said.
Cattle rustlers and bandits have wreaked havoc in the country’s North Rift region, leading to the loss of hundreds of lives, displacement of residents, and loss of thousands of livestock.
The most affected counties are Baringo, Turkana and Elgeyo Marakwet.
On Monday, Ruto said the government will deal firmly with illegal arms in the country.
He said special focus will be paid to North Rift where cattle rustling and banditry have become rampant.
He said it is time the crime was stopped.
“We must move forward together as a country. This is possible when we confront a few elements causing insecurity in the country,” he noted.
He made the remarks on Monday at the State House, Nakuru, when he met leaders from Baringo and Nakuru counties.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Governors Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo), MPs, MCAs and grassroots leaders were present.
He said leaders must endeavor to nurture peace for the transformation of the country.
He warned those behind cattle rustling to surrender or face the full force of the law.
Ruto explained that he will continue engaging with leaders “as we focus on the delivery of services that are of importance to the people”.
“It is our commitment that after elections, leaders from across the political divide can meet to discuss issues affecting the people,” he explained.
Gachagua said they will continue working with elected leaders, their political leaning notwithstanding, for the development of Kenya.
