Kithure Kindiki Declares 6 Counties Hit By Banditry Safe: "Bandits And Criminals Neutralised"

• Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki reported successful security progress in the North Rift region after five months
• Joint National Police Service and Kenya Defence Forces operation yielded a peaceful environment in the restive six counties
• Over 7,000 livestock, 646 firearms, and 285 rounds of ammunition were recovered in the five-month security operation

Nairobi - After months of deploying different security strategies in the North Rift, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has reported good progress.

Speaking when he appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Kindiki said the security operation yielded a peaceful wild North.

"The Joint National Police Service and Kenya Defence Forces Maliza Uhalifu Operation in the North Rift Valley Region initiated five (5) months ago, has been successful and yielded a peaceful and relatively calm environment in the six (6) Counties of Turkana, Baringo, West Pokot, Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet and Samburu," Kindiki reported.

Joint security operation

During the rampant insecurity in the area, residents were advised to vacate gorges and risky areas, but the security operation has restored normalcy, and people have regained their freedom.

"The operation has been instrumental in restoring normalcy, free movement of people, goods and services, and minimised counter and revenge attacks between communities," he said.

The Interior CS said the joint security operation comprising officers from the Kenya Defence Forces and other police units apprehended criminals and recovered weapons from suspected bandits.

Livestock, illegal firearms and ammunitions recovered

Additionally, Kindiki stated that over 7,000 livestock, 646 firearms and 285 rounds of ammunition were recovered in the 5-month offensive security operation.

"During the operation, 7,147 livestock, 646 illegal firearms, and 285 rounds of ammunition have been recovered. Economic activities have resumed, including the growing maize at Perkerra irrigation scheme, schools have been reopened and learning resumed, and the reconstruction of schools vandalised by armed criminals is ongoing," he told the committee.

To complement the security operation, the CS said over 2,000 National Police Reservists had been recruited to restore peace in the six counties.

The wild North

When he was sworn in as the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kindiki faced several security challenges across the country.

Bandits had made part of the North Rift their haven, disrupting livelihoods by raiding homes, stealing livestock, and killing security officers.

Kindiki was forced to deploy drastic measures to retain calm and peace in the region.

On Monday, February 13, President William Ruto ordered the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces and police at banditry-prone arrears to restore peace and carry out disarmament exercises.