West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo has threatened that Pokot residents will vote for the National Super Alliance (NASA) Flag bearer, Raila Odinga, in the October 17 election if the government does not lift a shoot-to-kill order against bandits.
Speaking during a peace meeting, Lonyangapuo said the order has led to bloodshed and loss of property among the peaceful Pokot community.
He asked residents to stop engaging in cattle rustling so that the government is able to end the security operation.
"If you fail to lift the order then we are ready to vote for Raila Odinga come October 17," Lonyangapuo stated.
"It is high time the government cease the fire and engage in peace talks with warring Pokot, Tugen and Marakwet communities," he added.
Lonyangapuo was elected governor in the August elections on a KANU Party ticket.
KANU was fully behind President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election in last month's elections.
In February, Deputy President William Ruto gave a shoot-to-kill order to the police against bandits who have been operating in the Rift Valley region. The order came in the wake of a series of banditry attacks that have left many dead and forced thousands of residents to flee their homes.
