In a wider ploy to bring to an end a lengthened fight against banditry in the North Rift, the Kenyan government has given the clearest hint of not withholding instruments at their disposal to being the menace to an end.
Over the weekend, the Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that the government was considering using Kenya Defense Forces’s (KDF) special ops unit to crash on the bandits, “”This government is resolute in ending banditry and criminal activities across the country. As the CS for Defence, I assure Kenyans that whether deploying our special forces or other means, we will decisively address banditry in the North Rift counties,” he said.
The CS warned that bandits would be dealt with in the same manner the government was dealing with Al-Shabaab along the Somalia border.
At the same time, he cautioned against drug abuse among potential KDF recruits. “We cannot tolerate drug addiction within our forces. Those aspiring to join must refrain from excessive alcohol and drug consumption,” he said.
Lives have been lost, property destroyed, and people displaced as suspected bandits continue to rule parts of the North Rift.
Insecurity is rife in the areas, with locals forced to learn to live with the gunshot sounds. To the surprise of many, most attacks happen in broad daylight.
Talks have been held and security operations conducted in the areas, but little has been achieved. Even with the heavy deployment of security personnel to the insecurity region, bandits have always had their day.
In October last year, suspected bandits engaged security personnel in an over two-hour fire exchange in Arabal, disrupting learning in the nearby Kapindasum Primary School.
The bandits allegedly also surrounded a General Service Unit in the area, and the exchange of fire started at around 9:12 am.
The attacks continue to be witnessed despite the ongoing operations in the North Rift.
The Government in 2023 deployed multi-agency agency troops comprising Kenya Defence Forces and National Police Service under ‘Operation Maliza Uhalifu’ North Rift.
President William Ruto, in February 2023, ordered joint security operations in the North Rift.
Defence CS Aden Duale then gazetted the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces to support the Kenya Police Service in the North Rift.
Following the deployment, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said security forces will set up camps in the bandit-prone areas to eradicate the menace. He has also been visiting the area to check on the status of security operations.
In August 2023, Kindiki said the government had restored peace in the North Rift, contrary to what is being experienced now.
Counties affected by banditry attacks include Laikipia, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, and Samburu.
