National Assembly Security Committee Wraps Fact-Finding Mission in bandit prone Northrift With A Promise To Pursue Lasting Solution
Saku MP Dido Rasso who is the committee's vice chair
PSCU
Worth Noting:
- “We cannot continue to talk about the impact of banditry and cattle rustling in the 21st Century. This has to stop if this region is to experience economic transformation. I am urging all of us to find ways of peacefully coexisting with each other so as to bring up a generation that will pursue peace with their neighbours . This cultural practice is backward and it’s time this region walked away from it”, Committee Chairman Gabriel Tongoyo observed.
- While cautioning political leaders to desist from inciting the people against their neighbours for political expediency, he reiterated that the Committee would not hesitate to call for strong action and prosecution should they continue.
A House Committee has promised strong action towards finding a last-solution to the perennial banditry and cattle rustling that have characterized a section of northrift for decades now.
Members of the Departmental Committee on Administration and National Security made the undertaking during public engagements forum in Arror and Tot areas in Elgeyo Marakwet during a two-day fact finding mission in West-Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties.
This was the last stop of a series of tours by the Committee which has also traversed Samburu, Turkana, Baringo and Laikipia counties to asesss the security situation in the region since the deployment of a multi-security agency to fight banditry and cattle rustling.
At both Arror and Tot, the Members strongly urged warring communities to embrace peaceful coexistence for the sake of development. Noting the potential of Kerio Valley in feeding the region, the lawmakers told the residents that it was now time to abandon the backward vice for the region to achieve economic transformation.
“We cannot continue to talk about the impact of banditry and cattle rustling in the 21st Century. This has to stop if this region is to experience economic transformation. I am urging all of us to find ways of peacefully coexisting with each other so as to bring up a generation that will pursue peace with their neighbours . This cultural practice is backward and it’s time this region walked away from it”, Committee Chairman Gabriel Tongoyo observed.
While cautioning political leaders to desist from inciting the people against their neighbours for political expediency, he reiterated that the Committee would not hesitate to call for strong action and prosecution should they continue.
Making their submissions to the Committee, local residents told the Committee that they are committed to peaceful existence and urged the government to undertake disarmament to mop all illegal firearms from the entire banditry prone area.
They attributed their three-decade long woes to criminal elements from Tiaty Sub-county, where they claimed there is almost nil government presence. They urged the national government to consider facilitating affirmative action in areas such as education and vocational training to woo the youth from engaging in criminal activities and to empower them.
They pointed out the role of illiteracy and retrogressive cultural practices in perpetuating banditry and cattle rustling and urged the Committee to recommend programs that would encourage criminals to desist from such vices and focus on income generating activities.
Most residents who made submissions stressed the need for pyscho-social support to support those who have suffered from the effects of banditry. They also appealed for support for displaced family to enable them resettle and resume their normal lives.
The Committee is expected to table its report once the House resumes from long recess for consideration.
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