Nairobi — Legislators from Baringo County have decried harassment of locals from security officials in the ongoing security operations to flush out bandits from the troubled northern region.
Led by Baringo Senator William Cheptumo they have accused the Director of Criminal Investigation of intimidating senior teachers, journalists and Police Reservists officers when they summoned them to record statements.
"Those members of the Fourth Estate and the public servants who have been called to record statements I think it is only fair that they should not be victimized or harassed. Because it is only going to worsen the situation from where it is now," Cheptumo said.
The Baringo Senator emphasized that the move will interfere with the peace-restoring process in the region saying as leaders they will be on the forefront as the leaders to restore peace.
"Let us allow peace to prevail. We have suffered for long and the time has come for us to speak as a county as a people as leaders and say enough is enough. We need to now stop this infighting and killings and still have livestock," Cheptumo noted.
He was accompanied by Baringo Woman Representative Florence Jematia, Tiaty MP William Kamket, Baringo South Charles Kamuren and Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek.
Cheptumo announced that they will engage in peace restoration in the cosmopolitan county through peace caravans to unite the communities in the region.
"We know there are many challenges that are facing our people, there is the issue of drought, and there is the issue of lack of pasture or lack of water. But this is no reason why we should be fighting," he said.
The Baringo Woman Representative assured that the peace caravans will serve as a roadmap to a long-term solution to end the fighting and banditry that has led to the loss of lives and properties.
"And the insecurity matter is going to be dealt progressively. Because Baringo has gone through a lot. And it is a time as we have discussed as leaders that this thing must come to an end," Jematia noted.
Tiaty Member of Parliament William Kamket emphasized that as leaders they will speak in one voice calling on the government to recruit National Police Reservists across all areas in the region.
"We urge the government to recruit NPRs to supplement the efforts of national security officials and because it's raining we urge pastoralists not to invade the pastures of others," Kamket stated.
Baringo South MP Charles Kamuren added: "Let's restore peace in Baringo county.We thank God they said that El-Nino is here and so they will be enough pasture.Lets avoid migrating and invading the property of others."
Kindiki Plea
This comes even as the government warned political leaders across the country against interference with ongoing security operations in the battle against banditry and crime.
Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, emphasized the importance of giving security agents the necessary time and space to enforce law and order throughout the nation.
Speaking during his visit to Laikipia County on Thursday, CS Kindiki underscored the need to separate security operations from politics, ethnicity, culture, religion, or other affiliations when addressing criminal activities committed by various elements, including terrorists.
"Political and other leaders must refrain from politicizing security matters or trying to meddle with security operations to allow the organs and agencies of our national security to wage a decisive, ruthless, and conclusive war against the impunity and terror of banditry," he said.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
During the visit, Kindiki met with the Rift Valley Regional Security and Intelligence Committee, Laikipia County Security Team, and local operation commanders at Survey Police Post in Ol Moran Division, Laikipia North Constituency.
The Interior CS issued a stark warning to politicians, cautioning them of severe consequences if they are found to have interfered with security operations, including the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift region.
He revealed that the government had already questioned several politicians in connection with banditry activities in the North Rift and pledged that these efforts would continue.
