Interior and Coordination Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has officially gazetted 19 areas in Baringo County as the most hostile locations in the country.
Mr Nkaissery made the formal announcement days after Deputy President William Ruto ordered a crackdown in the region to flush out bandits, who have been attacking locals.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 106 (1) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior in consultation with the National Security Council, declares that certain administrative locations of Baringo County as disturbed and dangerous," the gazette notice reads in part
The areas located in Baringo South and Tiaty constituencies include: Arabla, Kiserian, Mochongoi, Rugus, Mukutani, Chebinyinyi, Komolion, Chepkalacha, Makutano, Paka, Orus, Loiywat, silale, Nando,Tangulbei, Chepkererat, Kipnai, Ng'oyon and Amaya.
The operation will take place for 30-days following the high level of insecurity which has seen several political meetings including Ruto and Raila Odinga's disrupted by the bandits.
Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Wanyama Musiambo noted that "the operation in Baringo is now official and we shall not accept any interference. The Government will not condone a section of individuals out to kill, steal and terrorise locals."
