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A section of North Rift MPs has accused some security officers of abetting banditry in the region and are demanding investigations.

The legislators led by outspoken Tiaty MP William Kamket yesterday claimed that funds meant for operations against criminals were being misappropriated.

The leaders decried what they called government’s lack of commitment to tackling banditry, citing instances of security officers allegedly colluding with criminals and misusing allocated resources.
“There is need for legislative measures to safeguard the National Police Reservists Unit and redefine their roles, as well as clearer delineation of constituency and county borders to mitigate conflicts arising from uncontrolled grazing,” said Kamket.

The MPs who highlighted a raft of measures to combat banditry reiterated the importance of education in combating illiteracy and banditry.

Turkana Women Representative Cecilia Ngitit and Samburu MP Naisula Lesuuda highlighted the crucial role education play in combating banditry and its adverse effects on academic progress and decried vandalism and burning of schools by armed criminals.

The MPs are also advocating for the establishment of a special fund aimed at compensating individuals who suffer death and loss property due to banditry attacks.

“Many families have had their lives completely shattered as a result of banditry with many losing their property and loved ones. It is only fair that they are compensated to start their lives afresh,’ said Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap.

Expressed concern

The leaders expressed concern with the lack of implementation following President William Ruto’s commitment to compensation when he toured the region recently.

“The government should establish a fund where money for compensating people who lose lives and property and incur injuries following attacks by bandits would be drawn from,” said Kamket.

According to the MPs, business owners have also borne the full brunt of the perennial animosities as they have lost their property including their stock, due to looting allegedly by security personnel during operations.