Religious leaders welcome operation against bandits, call for disarmament

He added: "I know every security operation comes with its challenges but we support what the government is doing. Above all, we are urging the multi-agency security team involved in the operation to target those who have been killing innocent people and stealing livestock."

"I am saying this because, in 1979, many people were killed in a security operation. Women were raped. Many innocent people were hurt during the operation. It was a bad site. That is why we are calling on our security agents to ensure such a thing does not happen again. The team should identify and deal with perpetrators."

Aremons said anyone opposing the ongoing security operation in the region should be treated as part of the problem and dealt with accordingly.

"This is an important operation and we hope it will end insecurity and cattle rustling in this region. I, therefore, urge all leaders to support it for the benefit of our people. Let us focus on the operation to flush out criminals for now. The issue of dialogue will come later. Peace committees will be formed to boost the peace efforts, but for now, our focus should be the operation," he said.

However, Aremons opposed the curfew imposed in various towns, including Kainuk and Lokichar, in Turkana South, as well as Lokori in Turkana East.

He noted that business in Kainuk, which is on the border of Turkana and West Pokot counties, has been affected as the people have not been free to go about their business because of frequent attacks by bandits.

"It's like they have perpetually been under curfew. They have not been free to move around and go about their businesses for fear of attack. Surely, these people deserve a break. That is why we are opposed to the curfew," said Aremons.

Mr Lucas Lokusi, the chairman of people living with disabilities in Turkana, said frequent attacks are maiming more and more people.

Security has been heightened in the Kaakon'gu area, Kalemngork and Kainuk town.

Lodwar prestige PSV travellers company Kitale office boss Ben Wasike told The Standard that the curfew forced them to change their travelling schedules.

"We are now working differently. Before the curfew, the last vehicle would leave Kitale around 10 pm. However, currently, the last vehicle leaves the stage as early as 2 pm," Wasike said.