Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek has urged the government to apply the same multi-agency approach that restored peace in the North Rift to address politically instigated violence in other parts of the country.

Speaking during the launch of Kolowa Sub-County in Kerio Valley on Friday, Kiborek said the gains made in the fight against banditry should not only be sustained but also serve as a model for tackling other security challenges facing the country.

The lawmaker commended President William Ruto, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and security agencies for what he described as their commitment to restoring peace in Baringo and neighbouring counties after years of insecurity.

He said the improved security had enabled communities that were once divided by conflict to coexist peacefully and begin focusing on development.

“For once Baringo’s guns have gone silent. We now live like other Kenyans,” Kiborek said.

He added that the restoration of peace had improved the county’s image and created an opportunity for residents to pursue economic activities without fear.

Development agenda

Kiborek said the government should now shift its focus to development projects that would improve livelihoods in the region.

He noted that insecurity had for years slowed economic growth and limited investment, leaving many communities behind.

“For a long time our underdevelopment has been blamed on insecurity. Now that peace has returned, let us be assisted with irrigation, roads and other development projects so that we can move forward like the rest of the country,” he said.

The MP said expanding irrigation schemes, improving road infrastructure and increasing access to government services would enable residents to benefit from the prevailing peace.

He also welcomed the operationalisation of Kolowa Sub-County, saying it would strengthen security coordination and bring government services closer to residents.

Call to address political violence

Kiborek said the determination demonstrated by security agencies in the fight against banditry should also be applied to tackling politically instigated violence.

“Tunakuomba hii mambo ya security ukimaliza… hiyo nguvu endaweke kwa wale watu wanataka kuwa banditry ya siasa,” he said.

He argued that the country should not allow political violence to undermine national stability, urging security agencies to remain vigilant in protecting lives and property across the country.

The legislator said maintaining law and order was essential to preserving peace and creating an environment where Kenyans could pursue development without fear.

Recognising pastoralist communities

Kiborek also praised President Ruto for appointing women from pastoralist communities to senior government positions, saying the move reflected greater inclusion in national leadership.

He said the appointments had demonstrated that girls from marginalised communities could aspire to leadership roles and encouraged families to prioritise education for both boys and girls.

“Rais William Ruto alijua kwamba sisi wafugaji tuko na kiburi sana. Akatuwekea wafugaji mawaziri wetu ni wa mama,” he said.

He urged parents to ensure girls remained in school, saying education was key to unlocking opportunities and empowering future generations.

Sustaining peace

Kiborek thanked the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Police Service and other security agencies for what he described as their dedication to ending years of insecurity in the North Rift.

“We appreciate from the bottom of our hearts the effort that has gone into restoring peace. During President William Ruto’s tenure and under CS Murkomen’s leadership, the guns have gone silent in this part of the country,” he said.

He called on residents to continue supporting peace initiatives, saying security remained the foundation upon which development and economic transformation could be achieved.

The MP said the progress witnessed in Kerio Valley demonstrated that coordinated security operations, coupled with community cooperation and government investment, could transform regions that had long been affected by conflict.

He expressed optimism that with sustained peace, Baringo and the wider North Rift would continue attracting development and improving the livelihoods of residents while urging leaders and citizens alike to work together in safeguarding the gains already made.