Lesuuda recounted how 42 Administration Police were killed at Baragoi Valleys by the same criminals who hit and hide
She reminded the appointment committee that one of her staff has been abducted by bandits as one person is left dead
On Monday 17th October, Bandits attacked her constituents and drove away with herd of cattle
Prof Kithure Kindiki, CS Nominee for Interior, tells Kenyans to relax and wait how government will combat criminal elements once and for all
Samburu West Member of Parliament Naisula Lesuuda had broke down in tears while recounting the difficulties her constituents face in the ongoing battle with bandits.
Lesuuda, asking on Tuesday 18th October, during the vetting of Interior Cabinet Secretary Nominee Kindiki Kithure, questioned the new administration’s plans to combat the Rift Valley’s rampant banditry attacks.
“I will request your indulgence because what I am about to ask is something that I know many of us share in this committee and I constantly get the feeling that office holders responsible for matters of security don’t really understand or even are willing to comprehend the pain caused by insecurity in the north,” she stated.
“What strategy do you have to end this menace once and for all so that as a leader I can execute my other national duties and concern myself only with security matters?” she posed.
Lesuuda cited incidents in her constituency in which a gang of armed men ambushed herdsmen and drove them away with cattle.
Later that morning, on Tuesday, October 18, another group of armed men attacked her constituents, killing one and taking her staff hostage.
“Just yesterday, while I was undertaking this very important national duty, criminals from the neighbouring constituency ambushed herders and drove away with cattle.
“As if that was enough, the criminals continue to be bolder by the day. This morning they attacked again, they killed one person, two people are missing, one who is actually my staff,” she cried.
The MP expressed her dissatisfaction with the government’s response, claiming that it only responds to the deaths of security personnel while locals are killed with little or no response.
The CS nominee, for his part, acknowledged the Rift Valley’s security challenges. He stated that he had received orders from President William Ruto to end the crisis upon taking office. He did not, however, share a detailed plan.
“I agree with the Honourable Naisula. She speaks on behalf of about 67 per cent of Kenya’s territory, which is largely facing serious insecurity,” Kindiki noted
Kithure confirmed to the parliamenyary appointment committee headed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula that he has been instructed by President William Ruto to make sure that they deal with banditry once and for all in the North Rift.
“I am making whatever sacrifices that need to be made even if it means coming to live there. When bandits don’t fear the government, that culture permits it and challenges the legitimacy of the government. My number one assignment is to free this country from such criminal elements,” said the CS nominee.