The Government has declared banditry a threat to national security promising to deal with perpetrators firmly so as to end years of terror in the North Rift.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said that bandits will be tackled with decisive force to flush them out of their hideouts.

The Interior CS spoke in Baringo South, Baringo County while touring schools that were closed owing to insecurity in the Rift.

CS Kindiki said the Government will not tolerate bandits and will engage them until they ensure the area is safe.

“The Government will use force to flush out armed and dangerous bandits holded up in Ng’elecha and Korkoron Hills as well as other hideouts and bring permanent peace and security in this area and other affected parts of our Country,” CS Kindiki said.

He further instructed the Regional Commissioner and County Commissioner to ensure all schools are reopened and residents who had fled their homes due to insecurity go back to their homes.

Schools that were closed due to banditry include; Arabal, Kapindasum, Rugus, Ngelecha and Kasiela among others. 

Insecurity in the Rift has affected Counties of Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, Samburu and Laikipia.