Prof Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of Government has ordered 250 police reservists to be recruited in Mwingi in an effort to curb insecurity.
Kindiki said that the government will train the 250 National Police Reservists (NPR) to beef up security in the area, adding that the government would release Sh.1 million for the completion of a police post under construction in the area to host more police officers to be deployed in the area. 21 police officers currently patrol the area from a temporary post.
After ongoing insecurity between locals and camel herders, the CS was speaking at Mandongoi Primary school in Mwingi North. Two locals were killed last week by bandits who claimed to be camelherders.
Kindiki was accompanied by local leaders as well as the county security team. They promised a multi-pronged approach to permanently end the cyclic conflicts that have plagued the area for so long.
He directed the county security staff to highlight all the support they need to ensure that insecurity in the region is gone. Kindiki also directed police officers to do what they were supposed to do, as the government will ensure that they protect Kenyans and their property.
“We cannot wait for another death or crisis before we act. We will not have a conversation with criminals. All means are available to protect the lives, property, and peace-loving Kenyans. The government will defend you so long as your action is within the law,” he stated.
He ordered that camel herders who invaded Mwingi County and other parts of Kitui County should leave immediately or face eviction by government authorities.
He said that herders do not have the right to create conflicts with residents because they are not allowed to encroach on farms for pasture or water. “Every herder must go back home because the rains are here and no herder should be allowed to destroy farmers’ farms,” he added.
There has been hostility between armed herders, locals, who accused pastoralists of intentionally leading their livestock into farms and thereby destroying the crops. This led to two deaths last week.
“I am ordering that all grazers and herders who have been grazing in this area and don’t come from here return to their home counties. I was informed by the County Commissioner of how many officers are needed to implement this order. We are not going to negotiate with criminals,” he added, further warning residents against violence.
The Interior CS advised residents not to take the law into their own hands when dealing with camel herders. He said those caught taking the law into their hands will face full force of law and thanked residents for not engaging in revenge following last week’s killings.
The CS distributed food to poor households in the area. He also promised that title deeds would be issued to residents beginning in January next year.
By Charles Matacho
Source: kenyanews
