Deputy President Kithure Kindiki Saturday supported intensification of ongoing disarmament in Kerio Valley to ensure long-lasting peace and security in the area.
Kindiki said ridding the region of firearms is the last leg in the quest to restore peace after bandits were suppressed in previous security operations.
Further, he said that the government has made huge progress in the war against banditry in Kerio Valley and other bordering counties in the North Rift Region.
He lauded the multi-agency security team that have suppressed the criminals and recovered guns saying that the Ruto administration will ensure a long-lasting peace in kerio valley.
Speaking on Saturday when he presided over Elgeyo-Marakwet Economic Empowerment Engagement at Sambirir Grounds, Marakwet East, the DP encouraged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who was present, to beef up the exercise for its ultimate success.
“Disarmament will ensure long-lasting peace in KerioValley. I believe Murkomen will complete what we started and ensure long lasting security in the area. Continue with the good work of disbarment which you have started and you have our full support,” DP stated.
So far, over 285 firearms and 2000 rounds of ammunition have been surrendered since the exercise was launched.
He said the area Is endowed with huge economic potential pledging empowerment of the residents once normalcy fully returns.
“Once disarmament is done, the President will lead us to burn the surrendered firearms and we will hold huge empowerment for the residents so they can engage in better activities,” he added.
He said the kinetic operations launched when he was Interior Cabinet Secretary had borne fruit as they suppressed the bandits, cattle rustlers and other criminals wreaking havoc in the region.
“I worked hard to deal with insecurity in the area when I was Interior Cabinet Secretary. We did everything possible to restore peace and normalcy. I am happy we set the pace for full restoration of lasting security,” he said.
At the same time, the Deputy President promised the residents that the county will not be left behind in national development as he enumerated projects spearheaded by the administration in the county.
Already Sh780 million has been disbursed for expansion of last-mile electricity connection which targets powering of 9000 new homesteads.
All the roads that had stalled have been restarted and progressing. They include Kapyego-Chesoi and Chesoi-Embobut Roads among others that are slated for completion soon.
The DP also praised the residents for taking up SHA medical cover revealing that the county is number 3 nationally.
He urged more Kenyans to get enrolled saying it will enable them access better medical care and lessen the burden of hospital bills.
“Good health is every Kenyan’s right, it is not a privilege for a few people,” he noted.
The leaders present during the event were Interior Cabinet Secretary
Kipchumba Murkomen, Governor Wesley Rotich(Elgeyo Marakwet)
Aaron Cheruiyot (Majority, Leader Senate), Senators William Kisang
(Elgeyo Makawet), Veronica Maina (Senator, Nominated), MPs Caroline
Ngelechei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Bowen Kangogo(Marakwet East)
Timothy Toroitich, (Marakwet West), Gideon Kimaiyo(Keiyo South)
Adams Kipsanai (Keiyo North).
Others were Lilian Siyoi (Trans Nzoia County MP) Fatuma Zainab
Mohamed (Migori County MP) Johanna Ngeno(Emurua Dikkir) John
Bwire (Taveta) Josses Lelmengit (Emgwen).
Other leaders were PS National Treasury Dr Chris Kiptoo, President’s
Aide Farouk Kibet, Members of County Assembly from Elgeyo Marakwet
And a host of other leaders.
