State to dispatch reservists in conflict-zone Kerio Valley

Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Wanyama Musiambo addresses journalists in his office in Nakuru on November 29, 2016. Mr Musiambo said on January 2, 2017 the government is determined to end inter-clan clashes. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Wanyama Musiambo on Monday said that the government is fast-tracking the recruitment.
  • Mr Cheboi also urged the government to enhance security in the region to curb cattle raids, banditry attacks and intercommunity wars.

The national government will deploy about 3,200 Kenya Police Reservists to stop violence and cattle rustling in Kerio Valley.

Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Wanyama Musiambo on Monday said that the government is fast-tracking the recruitment.

"The government is in the process of recruiting KPRs in Kibich and Nataruk in Turkana, Arabal and Kiserian in Baringo County and also in West Pokot, Marakwet East, Pokot East, Laikipia and other insecurity prone areas," Mr Musiambo said in an interview with the Nation.

The administrator further disclosed that the recruits would be vetted.

They will report to police commanders.

"To ensure those recruited do not misuse weapons, proper vetting is being done. They will also be supervised by area police commanders," he said.

On December 30 last year, Mr Musiambo held a key security meeting in Kiserian, Baringo County, where armed bandits claimed to be from Tiaty sub-county had tried to attack a General Service Unit camp.

During the meeting attended by top security chiefs from the area, Mr Musiambo said a major security operation was expected to smoke out the criminals.

Mr Musiambo further said the government is also determined to end inter-clan clashes between Kapsiren and Kabishoi clans of Marakwet East, whom he said have been engaged in a long-standing land conflict.

Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, who spoke at the Rift Valley Hills Resort on New Year's Eve, said reservists should be hired to disarm holders of illegal guns.

Mr Cheboi also urged the government to enhance security in the region to curb cattle raids, banditry attacks and intercommunity wars.