Peace returns to North Rift counties after deployment of NPRs
Uneasy calm is returning along the porous West Pokot and its neighbouring counties after the government deployed more than 200 National Police Reservists (NPRs).
A spot-check by People Daily revealed that businesses that had been brought to a standstill in parts of Chesegon, Cheptulel and Masol have resumed.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin yesterday said the county will work with the National government to ensure more police reservists are deployed to the area, noting that the current reservists have done a good job.
Kachapin called for peaceful coexistence in a bid to improve education standards in the region and to ensure learners stay in school.
“We are collaborating with the National government to ensure schools which had been closed down as a result of insecurity are reopened and security provided,” Kachapin said.
A spot-check revealed that the region, which was until two months ago a ghost town is now a beehive of activity with herders moving with a large herd of cattle in search of pasture and water as women are seen toiling in gold mines to put food on the table.
Residents lauded the deployment of NPRs, which they said has boosted security.
Masol Ward Rep Wilson Chekeruk, however, raised concern over the government’s delay in fulfilling its promise to reconstruct and reopen schools closed a result of banditry.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki who toured the area recently said the government has set aside Sh100 million towards the reconstruction of all schools closed as a result of banditry in the North Rift.
He said the exercise will be carried out by the Kenya Defense Forces, supported by National Youth Service.
“The government will also deploy more teachers to ensure learning resumes fully and continues uninterrupted,” said Kindiki.
The CS also directed the establishment of Lami Nyeupe (Formerly Lami Nyeusi) General Service Unit (GSU) Camp in Sigor and establishment of seven new divisions, which are, however, yet to be gazetted.
