The rivalry between Deputy President William Ruto and Interior CS Fred Matiang'i continued to escalate with the DP blaming his Cabinet colleague over the insecurity in parts of Laikipia County.
Speaking to Kisii grassroots leaders at his Karen residence in Nairobi on Wednesday, September 8, Ruto stated that the security apparatus in the country needed to up their game and restore peace in the volatile area.
In an apparent reference to an incident where Matiang'i listed his assets before a parliamentary committee, the DP argued that the Interior ministry should demonstrate the same enthusiasm they were using in political matters to bring peace and calm in the area.
"All citizens must equally play their role in ensuring that we support the provision of security in our areas," he stated.
In addition, the DP asked Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to decline political assignments and discharge his duty of law enforcement impartially, avoiding politicisation of security work.
He added that the security team should strive to restore Kenyans confidence in them, their political affiliation notwithstanding.
Already, two politicians have been arrested in connection to the unrest in the County, Tiaty MP William Kamket and former Laikipia North Member of Parliament (MP) Mathew Lempurkel.
Kamket was nabbed after police officers conducted a raid at his home in Tiaty, Baringo County while Lempurkel was picked from his home in Rongai, Kajiado County.
During a press conference on Tuesday, September 6, Rift Valley Regional Commander George Natembeya disclosed that the bandits were using sophisticated weapons used by international armies.
Natembeya added that police officers did not have the kind of weapons that the bandits had.
"While our officers are using AK47 and G3 rifles, the bandits are using M16s and other heavy machinery, which are usually used by foreign armies who come for training in Kenya. We don't know how they get these heavy weapons," Natembeya stated.
