Africa-Press – Kenya. The Council of Governors (COG) has urged the National police to engage the military in fighting the marauding bandits in Laikipia County.
The COG in a presser noted that the clashes have adversely affected the community as there have been loss of life, displacement of residents, massive destructions, and loss of property and inaccessibility of basic services such as education and health care.
The Council condemned the actions by the bandits, citing gross violation of human rights as they are cause mayhem in Laikipia County.
The Council also raised alarm about the ease with which bandits access firearms.
The Council chair, Governor Martin Wambora noted that the attacks can be referenced to previous attacks witnessed in the 1980s.
“We are now going back to the 1980s within the epicenter of the conflict known as ‘Siguta Valley Triangle’ consisting of border areas of seven constituencies; namely Laikipia, Samburu, Baringo, Isiolo, Marsabit, West Pokot and Turkana county.” part of the statement read.
The chair noted that when he was the District Commissioner in Baringo in the 1980s similar attacks were stopped after the military were involved by the government.
The Council of Governors has made four proposals as solutions to end the ongoing deadly attacks in Laikipia County.
The first solution they proposed is the national government to engage military personnel to reinforce the Kenya police, who are already on the ground.
They also proposed that those established to be responsible for the attacks be immediately arrested and prosecuted.
The council also wants a comprehensive disarmament process carried out in the area.
The governors have advised the government to work closely with the county of Laikipia as well as the other neighbouring six county governments and communities to find a long-term solution.
The council also addressed the issue of drought and supported the President’s declaration of it as a national disaster.
“As County Governments we are working towards ensuring that our citizens are cushioned from further adverse effects of the drought” the report added.
They called upon the National Treasury to immediately release funds to the county Governments in order to cushion and support the affected communities in the county.
They also called on the private sector and civil society organizations to support county governments in dealing with the crisis.
