Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has once again committed to deal firmly with drivers of illegal arms in arid and semi-arid areas.
Ruto said the move is necessary and urgent as it will nurture peace in these areas.
“We must bring cattle rustling, banditry, ethnic violence and other forms of insecurity to an end,” he said.
The President spoke on Monday during the opening of an induction workshop of the Pastoralists’ Parliamentary Group at KICC, Nairobi.
Ruto issued an order in September, 2022 for security agencies to deal firmly, decisively and conclusively with those involved in the attacks and cattle rustling.
He has repeated the same remarks for at least four times amid efforts to contain the menace.
The efforts include recruitment of more local police officers and equipment to access the areas and improved infrastructure.
The Kerio Valley stretch has in the past 13 years left tens including up to 70 police officers dead.
Several animals have also been stolen in the period.
Attempts by successive governments to rein in on the gangs in the volatile area have bore no fruit.
The most deadly attack was in 2009 where 40 officers were killed followed by the 2014 incident where 21 others were killed in similar ambushes.
Ruto asked the MPs to be ingrained in the discourse to foster harmony and stability in Northern Kenya.
With stability, the President maintained, the region stands to move forward.
“We must press on with determination in advancing our agenda to unlock the potential of Asals, to mitigate pastoral vulnerability,” he said.
Ruto assured the leaders of the government’s commitment to set up the Equalisation Fund, a kitty that aims to provide basic services such as water and roads to marginalised regions.
“We will bring the pastoral economy into play in a decisive and transformative way,” the President said.
He said it is time the region stopped electing leaders on the basis of their clans but on their vision, plans and development credentials.
The leaders present led by Eldas MP Adan Keynan pledged to support the government in implementing policies that uplift the region.
“Policies that add value to our people will be supported. Your policies are so far good and we pledge our support,” he said.
Keynan further asked all to support the government of the day and accept Ruto as their leader.
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