Chiefs and assistant chiefs serving in areas affected by banditry will be issued with firearms to actively support security officers in fighting the menace, Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki has announced.
Speaking in Arbajahan Primary School, Wajir County, on Thursday, November 24, Prof Kindiki said the administrators will also be assigned with police officers to capacitate them fight crime and enforce law and order effectively.
“You cannot expect an officer to pursue criminals and recover stolen livestock using a baton. I have directed the security teams in the counties affected by cattle rustling to vet our chiefs and assistant chiefs so that we can arm them to protect the lives and property of wananchi,” CS Kithure stated.
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The Interior CS noted that the move would be preceded by a thorough vetting of the administrators to ascertain their suitability to bear arms and accountability of use of the weapons.
He also directed that an additional 200 National Police Reservists (NPRs) be recruited in the area as part of efforts to beef up the security sector and provide a sustainable environment for development.
“We won’t have investment and socio-economic growth in Northern Kenya without lasting peace, security and stability. We can only open up this region to investment through improved policing.”