We’ll silence Laikipia guns, Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Natembeya assures

Rift Valley Regional Coordinator George Natembeya has expressed optimism that the ongoing security operation in the volatile Laikipia County will bear fruit and a lasting solution to the land conflicts in the area   found.

Natembeya said with the multi-agency operation having been intensified in the area, he was confident that the perennial disputes will come to an end and order restored so that residents return to their normal lives.

Noting that a 90 per cent success had been achieved since the start of the security operation, the official said armed bandits which have been roaming the area had been flushed out.

Remote regions

He, however, pointed out that security officers were facing a challenge in accessing some remote areas in the expansive ranches.

“This is not a one day event. It will take some time but we are happy the operation is proceeding well.

The few remaining challenges are about maneuvering some remote sections of the ranches but we hope to complete the operation in the next two or three months,” he said.

Natembeya spoke in Bomet on Tuesday when he toured the county to inspect ongoing national government projects in the area.

Illegal grazing

He also opened the newly constructed county commander offices.

Tension has been high in some areas which include Miteta, Mirando, Wangwaci and Ol Moran where residents have been forced to flee for fear of being attacked by armed gangs.

Some schools were also burnt down by attackers, prompting the government to deploy security officers and declare Laikipia North and West disturbed zones.

Early this month, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i announced a dusk to dawn curfew in the affected areas and directed anyone, including politicians, who had illegally moved their livestock into the conflict zone, to move them out.