Deal firmly with Bungoma criminal gangs, Ruto tells police

Deputy President William Ruto has ordered police to deal firmly with criminal gangs terrorising residents of Bungoma and Busia Counties.

Mr Ruto put on notice the criminals in the region saying security agencies will use force to repel those arming.

"Any  individuals or groups who take up arms to terrorise residents must be met with the full force of the law. Police have clear instructions to deal with individuals who have armed themselves," said Mr Ruto at Bungoma's Posta grounds after holding a meeting with the area security team Friday.

The Deputy President said the government will not allow the mushrooming of criminal gangs.

He warned the provincial administration and security officers that they will be transferred and or sacked if they did not contain insecurity.

Mr Ruto announced that 150 additional officers including those from the General Service Unit have been deployed to the area. Five new cars were also made available.

The meeting was told that an assistant chief had been interdicted.

The Deputy President said officers accused of laxity and those harassing locals will be sacked/ He sais police will provide a hotline to residents to report criminal activity.

Area residents demanded that Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo should move all officers in the county.

Mr Ruto told elected leaders in the area to work with the provincial security team.

He said 1,200 vehicles will be bought for all  Officers Commanding Station (OCS) in the country in this financial year.