NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 14 – The government has established a General Service Unit (GSU) camp at the Nkararo-Enoosaen cutline in Kilgoris in response to a series of violent attacks stemming from perennial communal border disputes.
The conflict at the Nkaararo and Enoreetet border in Transmara has led to loss of lives, displacement of people and destruction of property.
Speaking during the camp’s commissioning Friday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki issued a directive to security officers to confiscate all illegal weapons from residents and ensure the preservation of peace in Kilgoris Constituency.
The Interior CS emphasized that historical grievances, including land disputes, should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the law.
“No dispute should or can be resolved through violence. Historical grievances, including land disputes, no matter how genuine they are, cannot be resolved by people killing each other, injuring others, and destroying property,” he said.
Kindiki denounced individuals using weapons to harm others under the pretext of fighting for their land rights, classifying their actions as criminal acts.
He further disclosed that 47 suspects connected to the recent violence, which resulted in fatalities, injuries, and property damage, have been apprehended, with more arrests expected for those found responsible.
The Interior CS warned that government officials taking sides in community disputes and instigating violence would face severe consequences.
“Errant officers will no longer be transferred to other jurisdictions. Such officers will be sacked and prosecuted,” he declared.
Commenting on Wednesday’s anti-government protests that led to loss of lives and destruction of property, Kindiki termed the chaos witnessed as “anarchy and economic sabotage.”
He reiterated that the government would not tolerate lawlessness in the country as the country braces for fresh round of protests next week.
Kindiki emphasized that no one has the right or freedom to engage in looting, killing, injuring, or destroying private and public property.
“How does blocking roads, vandalising the expressway, stoning and injuring security officers, looting private and public property reduce the cost of living? Lawlessness cannot be excused,” he warned.
The Azimio Coalition has since announced a three-day anti-government protest beginning Wednesday next to pressure President William Ruto’s administration to address the grievances facing Kenyans including high cost of living and increased electricity and fuel costs.
Azimio has explained that the decision to extend the protests to Thursday and Friday was made in response to overwhelming public demand.
The coalition is exerting pressure on President William Ruto’s administration to address various concerns, including the rising cost of living and the repeal of the controversial Finance Act 2023.
Both President Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, have reiterated that the government will not allow the planned protests to proceed as scheduled, warning of severe consequences if Azimio persists with their demonstrations.
