Former Cabinet Secretary for Interior Fred Matiang’i is again putting his foot on the ground to restore peace in the North Rift of Kenya, citing the effectiveness of his measures while he was in office and offering a plan to address banditry, which has once again reared its head in Baringo County and Laikipia County.

Speaking on the resurgence of insecurity in Laikipia and Baringo counties in an interview with Mayian FM on Thursday, April 30, 2026, Matiang’i said there was a time when concerted government interventions brought about a lasting peace during the former regime.

He highlighted that strong actions under his stewardship led to the dismantling of criminal gangs, disarmament of illegal groups, and the curbing of cattle rustling and other forms of violence.

“The plans we had put in place for security in Baringo and Laikipia counties maintained peace for a very long time in those areas. And we wiped out corrupt people and criminals who had guns and were engaging in banditry there. It is now back because killing, stealing and selling cows from the people is a business to some people, because that cannot be the situation if no one is gaining from such a business,” Matiang’i said.

“We had decided, as the National Security Council, to put up KDF training camps in those areas to protect the people living in Laikipia and other surrounding areas. We also had plans by the former president, Uhuru Kenyatta, to drill water boreholes to improve the livelihoods of the local communities affected by insecurity,” he added.

Matiang’i said the resurgence of banditism is indicative of systemic problems and interests. He said such crimes continue because they have become lucrative businesses for some, which include killing, stealing and selling cattle illegally.

Security interventions

Matiang’i, who served as the then Interior CS under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, said the National Security Council had a plan to secure the region. This included the setting up of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) camps in hotspots, providing security and protection.

Simultaneously, Matiang’i stressed the need for sustainable socio-economic development. He cited the Kenyatta government’s plans to sink water boreholes, aimed at enhancing the quality of life, decreasing resource competition and, ultimately, reducing some of the underlying causes of conflict.

Matiang’i lamented that these programmes have not been fully implemented under the current administration, which he said has led to insecurity in the region.

As a candidate of action and continuity, Matiang’i promised to implement these plans if he becomes president in the next election. Matiang’i assured locals in Baringo, Laikipia, and other counties that he would maintain security and development of communities.

“I will make sure these plans are implemented as soon as I take office,” he pledged, promising a campaign focused on restoring security, safeguarding livelihoods and bringing to fruition previously outlined national security plans.