Matiang'i Announces 6pm Curfew in Troubled County

Interior CS Dr. Fred Matiang'i addressing the press on Wednesday March, 26
Interior CS Dr. Fred Matiang'i Addressing the Press on Wednesday March, 26
Twitter

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang'i on Monday, September 6 announced a 12-hour curfew in the troubled area of Laikipia County. 

In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the CS announced a 6pm to 6am curfew with immediate effect, noting that the decision was reached after a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) held at State House. 

Matiang'i declared Laikipia Nature Conservancy and its environs as a disturbed area and therefore a security operation zone.

d
Interior CS Fred Matiang'i (left) and Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai (right) at Rioma Police Station in Kisii on July 7, 2021
Twitter

He added that security operations will begin immediately to flush out all the illegal occupants of the conservancy and areas surrounding it.

During the meeting, the NSC noted that the area has continued to witness insecurity as a result of rampant cattle rustling from competition for water and pastures.

In addition, violence in the county has been escalated by the surge in illegal gun ownership. 

All leaders including politicians, businessmen, public officers and others who have illegally moved their livestock into the conflict zone have been given 48 hours to remove them.

Bandits believed to be residing in the conservancy had launched multiple attacks on ranch owners as well as security officers in the area.

In the most recent attack, The Education Centre, a school opened and run by conservationist Kuki Gallman was torched by more than 20 individuals suspected to be bandits on August 21.

The attack came barely a week after four police officers stationed in the Laikipia Conservancy sustained gunshot wounds in an ambush attack. According to the reports, bandits opened fire  the officers who were in their tents.

Attacks in Laikipia County and specifically in the conservancy have been on the rise despite CS Matiang'i commissioning Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers and special unit officers to protect ranch owners i the county.

In six months, more than six people have lost their lives in connection with the land invasions and cattle rustling activities.

 

  • . . . . .