The Government will deploy more National Police Reservists (NPR) in volatile areas along the West Pokot and Turkana borders to help boost security in the area. Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett, who visited the Turkwel region, said more police reservists will be recruited to complement the work of police officers in the area.
The Inspector General donated fifteen motorbikes to reformed warriors from the Pokot and Turkana communities and said the government will soon add thirty more motorbikes to be used by peace committees comprising of reformed warriors in peace campaigns along the border of the two Counties.
IG Boinett who was accompanied by leaders from both communities lauded leaders and residents from the area for maintaining peace.
“We thank reformed warriors for changing their lives and starting to engage in peace campaigns,” he said. Boinett added that the government has put measures in place to makes sure peace prevails in the area.
Peace ambassador Tegla Loroupe urged the youth in the area to shun engaging in retrogressive practices and instead pursue meaningful development.
Ms Lourupe urged leaders from the area to conduct peaceful campaigns during this electioneering period urging parents in the area to take children to school to avert engaging in vices.
Area leaders led by West Pokot Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin and Senator Prof. John Lonyangapuo were also present. Governor Kachapin urged the two communities to stay in peace for more development to be realized in the area. “We have realized a lot of development during this period of devolution,” he said.
The Governor urged area residents to shun engaging in cattle rustling activities.
Senator Lonyangapuo urged the government to supply relief food in the area to avert the looming hunger. “We urge the government to bring food because residents in this place are faced with hunger and there is no pasture,” he said.
He urged area leaders to work together and put aside differences to ensure residents in the area stay in peace.
Turkana South Member of parliament Mr. James Lomenen said leaders from both communities were working together, “Leaders from Pokot and Turkana are now talking and we have not witnessed frequent attacks. We will not go back to where we were,” said Lomenen .
He said that more than 800 livestock that were stolen from both Counties have been returned to the owners because of the joint efforts of area leaders.
Kacheliba Member of Parliament Mark Lomunokol urged other communities in the North Rift to emulate the two communities.
Kapenguria member of parliament Samuel Moroto urged the KenGen hydro power company to resume its operations in the area after peace resumed. “We want the company to move its staff from Kitale back to Turkwel,” he said.
West Pokot Woman Representative Regina Nyeris urged women from the two communities to be champions of peace.