Intensify patrols on border, Turkana leaders tell State
What you need to know:
- Governor Josphat Nanok, Deputy Governor Peter Lokoel, MPs Christopher Nakuleu (Turkana North), James Lomenen (Turkana South) and Joyce Emanikor (Woman Rep) said insecurity had derailed development, scared away investors and left thousands of residents impoverished.
- Kainuk Chief Sarah Lochodo said workers at the 40-bed capacity eco-lodge had been attacked more than 10 times.
- Insecurity has also derailed a planned multi-million sugarcane farming venture on a 4,000-acre piece.
Turkana County leaders want the government to intensify patrols on the volatile border with West Pokot, where 20 people have been killed in the past two months.
Kainuk Town on the Kitale-Lodwar road is the worst hit. It has suffered highway attacks, rustling and invasion by bandits.
The leaders said over-reliance on animals for livelihood contributed to cattle rustling. They also said bandits were taking advantage of the inadequate number of police reservists in the area to launch constant attacks.
Governor Josphat Nanok, Deputy Governor Peter Lokoel, MPs Christopher Nakuleu (Turkana North), James Lomenen (Turkana South) and Joyce Emanikor (Woman Rep) said insecurity had derailed development, scared away investors and left thousands of residents impoverished.
Mr Nanok said building of schools, health centres and roads at wards on the border had failed to start because of insecurity.
Mr Lokoel said the county government had to hire 50 police reservists to guard the construction site of the Sh70 million eco-lodge in the Southern Turkana National Reserve. Unfortunately, the project has stalled due to increased attacks by bandits from Pokot county, he added.
ATTACKED 10 TIMES
Kainuk Chief Sarah Lochodo said workers at the 40-bed capacity eco-lodge had been attacked more than 10 times.
Leaders blame residents of six Pokot kraals who have settled in the reserve for the killing of a police reservist on January 27.
“There is only one armoured vehicle that patrols the long border,” she said.
Insecurity has also derailed a planned multi-million sugarcane farming venture on a 4,000-acre piece. It was to be carried out by the Kerio Valley Development Authority and residents hoped it would provide an alternative source of income.
Ms Emanikor said government institutions engaging in irrigation and other water projects should be given more funds.
“Alternative sources of livelihood should be promoted so that food shortages can be addressed,” said Ms Emanikor.
The leaders were speaking in Lodwar Town yesterday.
