Ndudi Anyim
Fifty three firearms have been recovered in a month long Police operation in Kapedo area, Baringo County.
Security Watch Africa reports that a curfew had been imposed in the area following pockets of violence in the area.
It was learnt that at least three Police officers were killed in the area in January in an ambush prompting the government move to impose a curfew.
The operation covered Kapedo and Arabal areas in order to bring the killers to book, recover illicit arms and stolen animals.
The area has for years known no peace as rival communities engage in never-ending war.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said the recovery was made possible through the efforts of security teams, peace committees, inter-faith groups and the elders through high level engagements with the illegal firearm holders.
“ Cattle rustling, banditry and general lawlessness has been brought under control. Learning, and other socio-economic activities have also now resumed.
“ We shall however retain the 10.00 pm to 4.00 am nationwide curfew in line with the Presidential Directives on the Revised Covid-19 Containment Measures.
“ Road blocks within Kapedo area will be retained but humanitarian assistance shall be facilitated by security officers to ensure that it reaches the targeted Beneficiaries. ”
Matiang’i said the government’s comprehensive and multi-faceted responses to insecurity and lawlessness continues to dramatically change the security landscape within the region and beyond.
“ A collaborative partnership by various State and Non-State agencies, including the National and County Governments, Private Sector and Civil Society has contributed largely to return to the relative normalcy in the region.
“ In this regard, therefore, we shall maintain strong operational patrols within the area. We appeal to the general public to continue working closely with the security agencies through regular information sharing in support of the efforts for peace and tranquillity in the larger Rift Valley Region, ” he said.
Matiang’i stated that as the area remains under close surveillance the government will not hesitate to re-impose curfew measures should there be any further escalation of tensions.