Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared 2024 the year of eradicating the last trace of the menace of banditry and cattle rustling in the North Rift region.
While speaking on Friday, during the witnessing of the passing out of 140 National Police Reservists (NPRs) in Igembe North Constituency, Meru County, he added that in one year, the Kenya Kwanza administration has achieved a 70% reduction in the number of banditry attacks in the region.
“In the last 50 years, 14 counties have been plagued with banditry and livestock rustling, acts that have hampered development and economic growth. As promised by President William Ruto, the challenge of banditry will be eradicated by the Kenya Kwanza Administration,” the CS added.
He further stated that from next week, the government will commence an operation in parts of the Eastern Region as an extension to the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu in North Rift Valley Counties.
“We congratulate the 140 National Police Reservists (NPR) who have been recruited, trained, and are ready for immediate deployment to supplement the multi-agency security officers in combating perpetrators of banditry, livestock theft, and other criminal activities,” Kindiki said.
In addition, the CS appealed to members of the public to support the police officers in secluding bandits and criminals.