The planned security operation against bandits in six counties in the North Rift kicked off in earnest on Friday, February 17 following the lapse of a three-day amnesty period where those in possession of illegal arms were supposed to have surrendered them to the government.
A convoy of military vehicles was spotted snaking into the troubled zones.
Witnesses said activities at Marigat town, the gateway to Tiaty constituency, were brought to a standstill as residents watched the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) roll in.
The movement of more boots on the ground signified the kick-off of a high-level multi-agency operation that will bring together men and women in uniform from the National Police Service (NPS) and KDF.
The operation is expected to lead officers in the hilly areas of the disturbed and dangerous zone, deemed to be bandit hideouts.
Covering the entire place will not be easy.
There is a scarcity of resources and personnel at large.
The military team moved to the mapped areas for deployment.
The multi-agencies involved in the exercise have been mobilizing resources ahead of the start of the operation.
The resources included vehicles, choppers, personnel, tents and food.
Maj Gen David Tarus who is the commander of the western command is expected to coordinate the new operation with the Rift Valley Regional Commander.
A document dubbed Technical Report on National Shared Security Strategy for Enduring Peace and Security in the North Rift Region was handed to the President last month and detailed the problems and possible solutions.
The document will guide the next phase of “Operation Komesha Uhalifu North Rift”, which was launched in September last year following the killing of a local chief, two civilians and eight police officers by bandits in Turkana East, officials said.
The involvement of the military in the operation came amid mixed reactions from the public. Some welcomed the move while others criticized it.
The plan to deploy KDF to the region was tabled before Parliament Tuesday.
“This is a very active matter before the Defence Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee that I chair. Article 241 (3)(b) of the Constitution, read together with sections 31(1)(a) and 33(1) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, is very clear on the deployment procedure in situations of emergency or disaster.”
With the drought situation worsening, the operation is expected to target caves that bandits run to for cover as well as beef up ground and air support.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki declared the security situation in the North Rift a National Emergency and issued a three-day amnesty for the surrender of illegally held firearms.
Only five firearms were surrendered.
The amnesty that began Tuesday was received with mixed reactions with some quarters feeling it may not achieve much as it provides the persons behind the attacks time to regroup and strategize.
