Defence Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, disclosed how President William Ruto stamped his authority in the volatile North Rift by ordering a multiunit agency to flush out bandits and restore peace and tranquillity.
Duale, on Thursday, August 8, stated that Ruto, on February 13, decisively altered the course of the operation, driven by his deep concern over the bandit's strategic tactic aimed at thwarting the collaborative efforts of the joint police and military operation.
The Head of State, after receiving intelligence, deployed the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to the North Rift and ordered them to be resolute in their stance despite opposition from various sectors, including local opposition leaders.
A video shared by the CS provided Kenyans with an intimate glimpse into the transformative impact of Ruto's strategic deployment, which acted as a healing balm for a region long plagued by lawlessness.
Areas affected included Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Uasin Gishu Counties.
Residents lauded Ruto, stating that his leadership did not go unnoticed. Others praised the government for showcasing an unwavering commitment to their safety and well-being.
"Before the KDF soldiers came here we used to sleep in forests for fear of attack. Now we can farm and go on our business without any fear," one of the residents from Kerio Valley stated.
He added that previous interventions set up by the previous administrations had not bore fruit.
In Kapedo, for decades Kenyans had a self-imposed curfew due to frequent banditry attacks.
"The town is now alive at night as the security forces have eliminated bandits who used to wreak havoc," a businesslady in Kapedo appreciated President William Ruto's intervention.
The Defence CS and his Interior Ministry counterpart Kithure Kindiki were committed to ensuring Ruto's orders were well executed.
CS Duale, particularly appreciated that Kindiki set up a temporary residence in the North Rift and camped in the bandit-prone area until the President’s assignment was completed.
Ruto’s Masterplan in the North Rift
The Commander in Chief of Armed Forces split the operation into two phases to obtain optimum effectiveness.
Phase one of the operation lasted between February 13 and March 13. In that period, KDF and police officers engaged bandits while mapping the terrain for an advanced operation.
Phase two commenced on March 14, when the Defence and Interior Ministry increased its presence in the North Rift and brought in advanced artillery to crush the bandits once and for all.
The government then incorporated sophisticated weapons acquired from the United States, Sweden and other developed nations and was also given access to satellites to track the bandits.
Ruto’s Future Plan
Kindiki announced that the President would not withdraw the forces from the region despite fulfilling their mandate. KDF and police will continue guarding the residents and critical government infrastructure while preventing resurgent attacks.
"We must move forward together as a country. This is possible when we confront a few elements causing insecurity in the country,” Ruto stated in February 2023.
“It is our commitment that after elections, leaders from across the political divide can meet to discuss issues affecting the people,” he added.
Additionally, military officers embarked on rehabilitating the region by building dispensaries, schools and other socioeconomic amenities.
A presidential communications team routinely tours the region to monitor progress and report to the Head of State.
