West Pokot leaders led by Governor John Lonyangapuo have castigated a section of leaders from Baringo County for failing to provide leadership in the ongoing security operation in Tiaty Sub County.
The leaders said that they are concerned about the police brutality and excessive use of force during the operation but Tiaty Member of Parliament Kasait Kamket is to blame for the woes residents are facing as he has abandoned them.
Lonyangapo said that local leaders from the area have not supported the security team in the ongoing operation making the process hard with many challenges.
Lonyangapuo said that Kamket should be on the ground to help security officers in coordinating the ongoing operation.
“We tried our best to end banditry and cattle rustling among the neighboring communities of Turkana, Marakwet, Karamojong and Sebei,” he said, “They can be more productive instead of engaging in running battles with illegal guns.”
Speaking to press while visiting Wei wei irrigations farms, Governor Lonyangapuo called on the national government to embrace dialogue and work with local leaders in Baringo County especially Tiaty Sub County while conducting the operation.
The Governor faulted leaders inciting residents in the area and called on the government to conduct the operation in a humane way.
“Leaders should work with the regional commissioner and Deputy County commissioner to end the differences. President Uhuru Kenyatta likes Pokots and pastoralists at large.”
Lonyangapuo called on residents in Tiaty area to surrender illegal guns to the government. “Guns are illegal and it is time for our people to surrender them to the government.”
West Pokot County Assembly Deputy Speaker Francis Krop called on the government to target criminals and not punish the whole community.
West Pokot County assembly Majority leader David Kapelisiwa said that Pokot leaders were not happy with what is happening because of poor leadership and laxity in Tiaty.