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Five National Police Reservists and two local administrators are among the nine suspects who have been arrested in connection with the January 2 inter-clan clashes that claimed three lives in Mogil, Elgeyo Marakwet county.

The reservists, two National Government Administration Officers (Ngao) officials and two other residents were detained for grilling after they were mentioned in the clashes in the area that had experienced a lull in attacks.

The attack also left many people displaced.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the attacks were linked to inter-clan clashes and had no link to cattle rustling which is common in the area.

Kerio Valley region is experiencing a lull from gun attacks linked to cattle rustling due to measures put in place to address the menace.

President William Ruto visited the area on Sunday and announced the government’s efforts to ward off threats against the country have borne fruit and will continue until every part is secure.

The President said in addition to dealing with banditry in the Kerio Valley, the government will ensure that health facilities, schools and other social amenities are restored in the region.

He said the government will reopen schools that were closed during the period the region experienced severe insecurity and banditry.

“In the next three months, all the schools must be reopened and all children must be back to school,” he said.

Governor Wisley Rotich said the newfound peace and stability in the Kerio Valley is unlocking the region’s economic potential.

“This region has not contributed to the country’s economy for the past 40 years because of insecurity,” he noted.

West Pokot’s Simon Kachapin called on leaders to nurture peace and co-existence among the various groups living in the Kerio Valley to ensure sustainable harmony.

In December, 2024, officials said at least 172 illegal firearms had been recovered in ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift.

The operation has also seen a significant drop in cattle rustling cases.