Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i on Tuesday held a meeting with top leaders from Rift Valley over increased cases of bandit attacks and insecurity in the Kerio Valley region.
The meeting held at Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County was attended by area governor Alex Tolgos, area Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, Baringo Governor Stanley Kiptis, West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo and top security chiefs.
According to CS Matiang’i, the meeting resolved that peace can only be achieved if the local leaders work together to eradicate conflict in the region.
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“If all our leaders show genuine commitment to sustainable peace, we will end the antiquated clashes in Kerio Valley. This is the only outcome we expect after our meeting,” he tweeted.
Over the past week, cases of increased cattle rustling and bandit attacks have been reported in region, leaving six people dead.
Additionally, learning has been affected in the region as over 5,000 students and 500 teachers have deserted schools and their homes following the recent attacks.
The recent attacks come at a time when peace had prevailed in the region for the past two years, following the signing of a peace accord between the Marakwet and Pokot communities.
Following the recent attacks, it is expected that the government will increase security personnel in the region to restore sanity and provide a safe environment for pupils and teachers to resume learning.
