MPs from banditry regions have begun engagements with the National Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Committee to chart ways of ending criminal activities in parts of Rift Valley.
The committee brought together 20 MPs from Laikipia, Samburu, West Pokot, Baringo, Turkana and Elgeyo Marakwet counties in a spirited effort to find a lasting solution to banditry that has cost lives and property.
Students and teachers are the most affected, a number of them being killed and schools closed; the latest incident being the shooting dead of a blind teacher while heading to a meeting in a school in the region.
The committee Chair Yussuf Haji said they are concerned that despite the government investing heavily in strategies aimed at combating banditry and cattle rustling, the menace is still rampant.
He added that criminal activities were a threat to cohesion and peaceful co-existence among communities in the region.
However, MPs poured their frustrations on the committee, noting that the tactics employed by the government to fight banditry were outdated and were bound to fail.
Titus Lotee (Kacheliba) and Daniel Nanok (Turkana West) said the government has focussed on intimidating, arresting and forcing them to record statements on the matter at the expense of pursuing bandits who are operating with impunity.
Further, the legislators accused the Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof Kithure Kindiki of sidelining them during his visits to banditry hit areas.
“We wonder the agenda the CS has when he ignores elected leaders like us whenever he visits our constituencies for security meetings. He should involve MPs in his campaigns to fight the vice for him to make any headway,” said Lotee.
Turkana East MP Nicholas Ngikor said the sacking of chiefs in the area had contributed to escalating banditry and cattle rustling.
“Women and children are worst hit by banditry and there is need for a lasting solution to the menace,” said Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda.
Samburu North MP Letipita Eli told the committee that 2,500 people were displaced by recent clashes in the area.
The MPs nevertheless commended the committee for the peace process it has initiated and pledged their support for it.
The meeting agreed that the committee organizes a retreat for the MPs and security teams from the region.
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