More police reservists deployed to volatile Pokot region

The government has deployed more than 250 Kenya Police Reservists (KPR) to West Pokot County to flush out bandits who have carried out multiple attacks leaving several people dead and thousands others displaced and livestock stolen.

This is an addition to the already existing force of 685 KPRs in the county and are expected to work with the police to ensure security in the area that has suffered frequent attacks and cattle rustlings.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at Kapenguria Police Station, West Pokot Police Commandant, Mathews Kuto, said that the 250 KPR have already been hired, trained and deployed to West Pokot, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo borders which are prone to banditry attacks.

Kuto added that the government will continue deploying more KPRs to boost security in the area before and after the General Election slated for August 8.

“We are hiring them through a clear process. We are not just giving uniforms to anyone. They are vetted, trained and given uniforms and they are answerable to officers in charge of police stations where they serve,” he said.

Kuto further said that those with illegal weapons should have them registered before security teams move in to seize them and arrest the owners. He said the illegal guns are to blame for increased banditry attacks in the region.

Pokot Central Sub County Commissioner, Geofrey Kithinji, said the government was committed to dealing with insecurity in West Pokot County and chiefs along with other security officers must play their roles effectively.

On the other hand, West Pokot leaders led by Governor Simon Kachapin, asked the government to hire local reservists in the county who understand the region’s terrain to patrol and help security personnel in repulsing the bandits.

Written by Ronald Kibet