Police IG Addresses Resurgence of Banditry in North Rift Region, Meru, and Isiolo
Government's Multi-Agency Operation Makes Strides Against Resurgence of Banditry in Kenya's North Rift Region
The multi-agency security team, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and National Police Service, operating under ‘Operation Maliza Uhalifu’ North Rift, has made significant strides in restoring security and normalcy to areas plagued by organized crime, often involving violence.
Inspector General Japhet Koome addressed the concerning resurgence of banditry in various regions of Kenya, particularly in the North Rift Region, Meru, and Isiolo Counties on Tuesday.
Inspector General Koome recalled the government’s declaration of a security emergency in six counties last year, attributing it to rampant incidents of banditry.
Recent developments have seen a resurgence of banditry in Isiolo, Meru, and Baringo Counties, marked by attacks targeting ranches, conservancies, and communities.
This resurgence, according to Koome, will not be tolerated by the government or law-abiding citizens.
The operation has since expanded to other areas within the region to dismantle bandit networks and disarm perpetrators. However, despite these concerted efforts, armed raids persist.
Mr. Koome has warned to the perpetrators, emphasizing that they will face the full force of the law.
He urged communities to refrain from retaliatory attacks and assured the public of the police’s commitment to protecting life and property.
“In the face of the current resurgence of banditry in Baringo, Isiolo, and Meru Counties, my message to the bandits is clear: stop or face the full force of the law,” declared Inspector General Koome during the briefing.
The government has taken additional measures, including the establishment of a multi-agency command center and deployment of sophisticated equipment and Formed Police Units in affected areas.
The military and National Police Reservists are also providing support to the National Police Service, with additional camps established along strategic belts.
He acknowledged the role of the media and public cooperation in combating banditry.
Mr. Koome expressed gratitude for their continued support.
“I want to thank the media and members of the public for your continued support and cooperation with our officers in the fight against banditry,” Koome stated, highlighting the importance of collaboration in tackling the security challenges.
The Inspector General reaffirmed the commitment of the National Police Service to restoring peace and normalcy to the North Rift Region and beyond.
“As a service, we remain committed to ensuring that we protect life and property and ensure that normalcy returns to the North Rift Region,” reiterated Inspector General Koome, emphasizing the service’s dedication to its constitutional mandate.
Banditry and the proliferation of illegal small arms pose significant challenges to security in Kenya’s North Rift Region. Surveys indicate that there are over 650,000 illicit firearms in the country, with a concentration in pastoral counties.
While there has been a decrease in assaults in the North Rift over recent months, the preceding six months witnessed over 40 incidents of bandit attacks.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki reported that during this period, more than 100 civilians and 16 police officers lost their lives, with ‘hundreds’ of individuals forced to flee their homes.
The impact has been profound, with over 2,000 families displaced and seeking refuge in nearby villages. This has exacerbated existing issues such as high poverty rates and the threat of forced migration.
In the hardest-hit Baringo County, border villages vulnerable to banditry have experienced a staggering 90% displacement rate, with some seeking shelter in school compounds.
Efforts to curb banditry and enhance security in the North Rift Region remain a top priority for the government, with ongoing multi-agency operations aimed at safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of residents.