More police reservists deployed to volatile Baringo

Deputy President William Ruto on Friday, February 24 announced a raft of security measures to deal with the cattle rustling menace that has left dozens dead in Kerio Valley.

Among them is the recruitment of police reservists saying homegrown solutions remain key in the fight against cattle rustling.

Ruto said in addition to the police reservists, the government will deploy rapid response teams, armored personnel carrier vehicles as well as increase the number of security officers in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot Counties to stop cattle rustling and killings in the region.

The deputy president further announced that there would be changes in the security teams in the area to help end the menace.

Ruto gave security officers operating in the volatile region a shot-to-kill order when confronting bandits.

“The constitution protects life and property of every citizen. The same constitution empowers security agencies to use their training and weapon to ensure that all criminals are dealt with accordingly,” said Ruto.

Addressing wananchi in Mochongoi, Sibilo and Bartabwa grounds in Baringo South and Baringo North Constituencies during his tour of the Kerio Valley to assess the security situation, Ruto said that additional 220 police reservists would be recruited, provided with weapons and given tokens to boost their morale in fighting crime.

“We are not here to apportion blame to anyone. We are here to solve this problem once and for all,” added the deputy president.

Ruto, who was accompanied by Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet, assured residents that stern action would be taken against leaders found to abet insecurity.