Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i, has ordered the arrest of Rift Valley politicians who incite their communities to turn to violence in Kerio Valley.
Addressing residents in the area, Matiang'i asserted that a stern action will be taken against 'war mongers.'
“There will be no compromise when it comes to security issues and we will be ruthless to those people who incite their community to fight another community,” stated the CS at Tot-Kolowa border of Elgeyo-Marakwet and Baringo counties.
[caption caption="File image of Interior CS Fred Matiang'i with Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos"]
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The CS further affirmed: "It is very shameful for leaders to incite people or finance them to get guns to kill other communities. No one is above the law whether you are a politician or not.”
Matiang'i added that intelligence has proved that inter-community conflicts have been ignited by political leaders.
He ordered the re-opening of schools that had been closed in the North Rift region due to insecurity as he promised to provide enough security in the region.
The CS highlighted that schools will be secured by at least one police officer daily.
A sub-county commissioner will be deployed in Tot, Marakwet East, who will coordinate security issues in the area and report regularly to the CS on the progress.
He also directed Elgeyo Marakwet County Commissioner Abdullahi Hiddi to ensure police provide 24-hour security to all schools.
“I'm wondering why you are talking about the number of people killed while I am yet to hear about the culprits being arrested,” noted Dr Matiang’i who also addressed a peace meeting in Chesegon at the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen exclaimed that Kerio Valley had a potential in agriculture but residents had been turned into paupers because of rampant banditry and cattle theft.
“The armed bandits shoot people including school going children. We are extremely tired of our people being killed by bandits for reasons we cannot explain,” stated Murkomen.
[caption caption="File image of Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen"]
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