The insecurity situation in the North Rift region has heightened and leaders from the region, have faulted the disarming and withdrawal of National Police Reservists in the volatile regions. The affected Counties include West Pokot, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Laikipia, Baringo. A day after posting top security officials in the region, the Secretary of Internal Security, GSU Commandant, and the RDU Commandant, the region leaders, led by Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok faulted the move to disarm the reservists.
The new wave of unrest has unsettled residents in the region, notably the Kerio Valley and some have moved from their homes, and schools have been closed. Bandits and rustlers have carried out attacks, and the government’s decision to disarm NPRs had already come under criticism. “A few hours after disarmament, in a number of areas, we have lost more than 20 citizens, close to thirty schools have been closed down because the NPRs have been protecting those schools,” he said. He said Laikipia West has suffered the most recent attack, on Thursday.
He said as leaders from the region they are concerned about the Ministry of Interior’s decision, “We don’t know what the Ministry of Interior is up to.” Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said the conflict has affected people from different tribes and races and can’t be pinned down on tribal conflict. “This thing isn’t about race, all races are suffering, go to Laikipia you’ll see, you’ll find both White and African victims,” he said.
In a different setting, Murkomen had faulted the government’s decision, saying it was politically motivated, and that it’s based on 2022 politics. The Senate has summoned Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, PS Karanja Kibicho and Police IG Hillary Mutyambai over the withdrawal of NPRs in the region.