The killings that are ongoing in parts of the Rift Valley, especially Marakwet, Laikipia and Baringo need to be dealt with immediately. The loss of lives, destruction of property and resources are too much for Kenyans in that region.
Nearly every week, my workmate loses a relative or village mate, has to fund-raise, travel home and support the funerals or medical expenses.
He is now weak, psychologically weighed down, bitter and his productivity at work has gone down. People are desperate and need to be secured. There are people behind the insecurity and all must be done to rescue them.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights did a public inquiry on perennial conflict in the North Rift and its impact on the enjoyment of human rights in 2016, and the findings can help the security agencies in dealing with the situation.
Something needs to be done urgently to restore security in this area, not only because of the forthcoming general elections but also the loss of lives, the wanton destruction of property and displacements that are a gross human rights violation.
The continued massacre of innocent civilians over the past three months has exposed the operational challenges and casual manner the security apparatus is treating the security of the residents.
The attacks and killings seem organised, targeted and have political undertones. The security agencies have the capacity to contain these attacks and they should move in with speed.
We need to handle the security of the areas by ensuring we equip the security officers with basic working tools including relevant intelligence.