Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof. Kithure Kindiki says President William Ruto is committed to ending the banditry menace in North Rift region by all means.
Speaking before Senate Committee on National Cohesion on Wednesday, March 1, Kindiki said Ruto is committed to ending banditry even if it means losing his political support.
“President William Ruto has told me that he is willing to lose political support and end this problem. If ending this problem will reduce his numbers in certain corners, he said he will take that and shape the country,” the Interior CS told Senate.
Kindiki stated that politicians involved in banditry will face the consequences, even if they are members of Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“I have the blessing of the Commander in Chief (Ruto) to deal ruthlessly with any political leader who is aiding, abetting or supporting the terror in the north, even if they are in his political party. Even if they are in the opposition,” he said.
He also affirmed that he would remain non-partisan in executing his mandate.
“The easier ones to deal with are those in the president’s political party, but the ones in the opposition will start crying and talking about Kenya Kwanza and Azimio. I am not going to be drawn into that debate,” Kindiki added.
Prof. Kindiki stated that talks were ongoing with the Ugandan government on how the two countries can deal with those bandits who will escape Kenya and seek refuge in Uganda.
“Last week Interior PS Raymond Omollo held a high-level meeting with Uganda’s state officials including my counterpart and Minister of Karamajong affairs. All bandits who escape our borders will not come back,” he added.
Apparently, the bandits had turned some parts of the escarpment into hiding spots, which have since been taken over by police.
On the issue of firearms, the CS stated that 43 guns with 136 rounds of ammunition had so far been surrendered voluntarily.
“I want to assure Kenyans we will mop up all guns in the North Rift. We will get the guns one way or the other. Don’t ask me how.”
The military and police officers who began their operation on February 16, will remain in the North Rift until normalcy returns.
“We won’t retreat and we will populate that area with police officers to make sure that area become prosperous for years to come… Banditry will be taught in our schools as history.”
