The government issued a new directive on Tuesday asking non-residents within Laikipia security operation area to vacate.
Through a statement that was issued by interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, the move is aimed at enhancing security operation in the area.
According to Matiang’i, more special forces will be deployed in the area to flush out bandits.
“The government notes with grave concern that despite efforts to enforce peace and stability in Laikipia, hardcore bandits continue to take advantage of the prevailing drought situation in neighboring counties to commit criminal incursions,” said Matiang’i.
He said that the banditry attacks have led to lose of lives and destruction of property hence the need for additional officer with specialized equipment.
“Unfortunately, innocent lives have been lost and many others injured in attacks that have also occasioned the destruction of private property and loss of livestock,” said the CS.
He further said that the government is committed to restoring peace and calmness in the troubled area of Laikipia county.
This comes amid an ongoing security operation to flush the bandits in the Laikipia ranches. The government announced a number of measures to tame the banditry attacks in past including aimposing a 6pm to 6 am curfew.
“The government will assist displaced residents to resettle after recent attacks in Laikipia even as we ramp up security and other measures to restore calm and peaceful coexistence among communities in the region. The security operation in this area is unique. You will not have a chance to explain yourself when found outside past the 6 pm curfew,” Matiang’i said.
The government deployed a multi-agency team comprising of the National Police Reservists, the Rapid Deployment Unit, the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, the General Service Unit (GSU), and the Administration Police, to weed out the bandits from the area.
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