Uhuru Urged to Send KDF to Laikipia

The council of Governors Chairman, Embu Governor, Martin Wambora addressing the press
The council of Governors Chairman Embu Governor Martin Wambora addressing the press
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The Council of Governors (COG) has urged the National police to engage the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in neutralising the marauding outlaws in Laikipia County

The COG in a presser noted that the security breakdown has adversely affected the community as there have been the loss of lives, displacement of residents and loss of property and inaccessibility of basic services such as education and health care. 

The council condemned the actions by the outlaws, citing gross violation of human rights as they are cause mayhem in Laikipia County. 

KDF officers during a past operation
KDF officers during a past operation.
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The Council also raised alarm about the ease with which bandits access firearms. 

The Council Chair, Governor Martin Wambora noted that the attacks can be referenced to previous incidents witnessed in the 1980s. 

"We are now going back to the 1980s within the epicentre of the volatility known as 'Siguta Valley Triangle' consisting of border areas of seven constituencies; namely Laikipia, Samburu, Baringo, Isiolo, Marsabit, West Pokot and Turkana county." part of the statement read.

The chair noted that when he was the District Commissioner in Baringo in the 1980s similar occurrences were stopped after KDF was involved by the government. 

The CoG has made four proposals as solutions to end the ongoing insecurity in Laikipia County. 

The first solution they proposed is for the national government to engage KDF personnel to reinforce the Kenya Police, who are already on the ground. 

They also proposed that those established to be responsible for the breakdown of security be immediately apprehended. 

The council also wants a comprehensive disarmament process carried out in the area. 

The governors have advised the government to work closely with the County Government of Laikipia as well as the other neighbouring six county governments and communities to find a long-term solution. 

The council also addressed the issue of drought and supported the President's declaration on Wednesday, September 8.  

"As County Governments we are working towards ensuring that our citizens are cushioned from further adverse effects of the drought" the report added.

They called upon the National Treasury to immediately release funds to the County Governments in order to cushion and support the affected communities in the county. 

They also called on the private sector and civil society organizations to support county governments in dealing with the situation. 

A photo of Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi addressing residents during the release of the county's annual financial report, in Nanyuki on September 5, 2019.
Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi addressing residents during the release of the county's annual financial report, in Nanyuki on September 5, 2019.
Daily Nation