Crackdown on rogue police reservists in Kerio Valley nets 25 arrests
The affected reservists were found to have engaged in activities that abetted banditry and cattle rustling.
At least twenty-five rogue National Police Reservists (NPRs) from various counties along the volatile Kerio Valley have either been arrested or dismissed over the past two years, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed on Friday.
The affected reservists were found to have engaged in activities that abetted banditry and cattle rustling, thereby undermining the progress made by the ongoing security operation in the region.
Speaking during a security meeting in Kambi Samaki, Baringo County, the CS also prohibited politicians from participating in the recruitment of NPRs and urged community members to actively engage in the process alongside sub-county security committee teams.
"We are going to replace those who have since left through dismissal or attrition, as the remaining officers undergo a fresh vetting exercise. That vetting must involve the community and the sub-county security committee," said Murkomen.
The vetting exercise is expected to help eliminate rogue elements and remove ghost officers from the system.
"Our intelligence team will carry out background checks on records before clearance. Going forward, NPRs will be subject to an accountability mechanism and will report directly to the Officer Commanding Station (OCS)," he added.
"No NPR will be allowed to switch off their phone, and in the event of a raid anywhere, we will conduct a headcount."
He further emphasised that the Ministry does not intend to train militias, warning that any NPRs involved in illegal activities will face the full force of the law.
"The government has trained and armed NPRs, only for some to turn to crime. Be warned (NPRs): because you agreed to serve under the National Police Service, you will be treated as the most wanted criminals even after dismissal. You will remain under surveillance, as it is our duty to ensure accountability," he said.
Kerio Valley remains a key conflict zone in the North Rift region, which has long suffered from banditry and cattle rustling, prompting the government to launch Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU).
Operations conducted by the Operation Maliza Uhalifu team in Chemolingot, Baringo, have led to the recovery of 17,000 livestock, seizure of 200 firearms, and the arrest of more than 200 suspects within Kerio Valley.
The CS lauded the progress of Operation Maliza Uhalifu, noting that the resurgence of economic activity in the region is a clear indication of the operation's success.
However, he warned those exploiting insecurity for personal gain that they would face stern consequences.
"It is paradoxical that we have people who are relatives, married into each other’s families, and yet are being used to fuel conflict amongst themselves," he said.
He also called for stronger collaboration with local leadership and communities to support the peaceful reconciliation of historical grievances in the region.
The Baringo security meeting brought together the Rift Valley Regional Security team and sub-county security teams from Marigat, Baringo North, Mukutani, Tiaty Central, and Tiaty East.
On Tuesday, the Ministry announced reforms aimed at streamlining the operations of National Police Reservists, including a nationwide re-vetting and fresh training, establishment of a clearer command structure, and improvement of their welfare, which will include enhanced stipends and medical cover.