President William Ruto, on Sunday, January 14, announced the relocation of the Eldoret Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) training camp to Kerio Valley.
Speaking at a church service in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet, the President remarked that the move has been informed by the need to tame banditry and insecurity in the troubled region.
In his speech, Ruto noted that the relocation of the training camp was just the initial step as the government was planning to establish a permanent military camp in the region.
"I want to assure the people of Kerio Valley, from Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Samburu to Turkana, that they are going to enjoy peace," stated President Ruto.
Besides, the relocation of the camp, the president also announced the creation of two sub-counties to be named Kerio Valley and Kolowa respectively.
Further, he issued an ultimatum to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure KindIki to ensure that both sub-counties were operational within ninety days.
Residents of Kerio Valley and Northern Kenya have been plagued by cases of cattle rustling and banditry, with more people losing their lives.
In a recent attack by bandits in North Baringo four days ago, five people were killed in ambushes along two road junctions, on the same day.
One of the incidents involved the shooting of a family of three on a motorbike heading to a pass-out ceremony for their family member along the Yatia-Chemoe route junction.
The family sustained injuries, with the man dying on the spot, while the wife and a three-year-old child succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital.
The second incident, on the same day involved a shooting incident where two National Police Reservists (NPRs) were gunned down in Kagir, Baringo County.
However, the President reassured the residents that the banditry incidents would be a thing of the past as the government would heighten security measures in the region.
"I am asking those who are in possession of illegal arms to surrender them to the government or face the consequences," emphasised President Ruto.
