NAIROBI, Kenya, May 19 — The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has interdicted an Assistant Chief in Baringo’s Mukemar Sub-Location for aiding and abetting livestock theft.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said Friday that Charles Lopoda will be arrested and charged on Monday.
He said the administrator’s arrest is an indication of government’s resolve to bring all those behind banditry and cattle rustling in the North Rift to book.
“I want to make it clear that that is the first step in the fight against banditry, in this region and this country,” Kindiki said.
The Interior CS stated that 31 people have so far been arrested in connection with banditry since the government launched a multi-agency security operation in parts of the six counties in the North Rift.
CS Kindiki pointed out that he will issue a statement listing the names of the suspects and the charges they are facing next week.
He added that the State will soon apprehend more people in connection with criminality in the North pointing out that some of those targeted are government officials, politicians and regular citizens.
The Interior CS warned that any administration officer aiding or abetting banditry and cattle rustling will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Time has come for us to be accountable. I had already issued a warning about this. I had cautioned that even these politicians, they should not think for a second that we fear them. Anybody supporting bandits, livestock rustling and the murder of innocent people, your days are numbered,” Kindiki warned.
“We are going to get you arrested and prosecuted whoever you are, even If you are my friend.”
Accountable administrators
Kindiki stressed the government’s commitment to accountability and announced plans to strengthen measures and enhance coordination to combat banditry in security-challenged areas.
He specifically instructed the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) to collaborate with security forces in the recovery of stolen livestock.
Kindiki pointed out that County Commissioners in the six bandit prone counties must take the lead in recovery efforts.
“They (County Commissioners) are the chairpersons of the security committees. Political leaders cannot be at the forefront in the livestock recovery operation. They can only give such information to the security teams,” he added.
To bolster the capacity of security agencies, Kindiki disclosed that the government will invest KES 20 billion in modernizing equipment for security officers.
Kindiki announced that a total of 148 guns have been recovered within the operation areas in the six North Rift Counties.
Of these, 96 guns have been surrendered in Samburu.
The Interior CS urged those individuals in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them voluntarily noting that the government will do everything in its power to disarm them.
“I commend the people of Samburu and ask people in other Counties to either voluntarily surrender the guns or they be disarmed,” he said.
