Interior CS Fred Matiang’i orders non-residents of Laikipia County to evacuate

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i beefs up security in Laikipia County. [File, Standard]

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has ordered non-residents of Laikipia County to leave effective immediately as he beefs up security in the area which is prone to banditry attacks.

This comes in the wake of increased cases of hardcore bandits taking advantage of the prevailing drought menace in the counties neighbouring Laikipia to commit criminal activities.

In a statement to newsrooms on Tuesday, October 12, the CS said that as a result of the ongoing banditry activities, innocent lives had been lost, scores injured and property of unestimated value destroyed in the pre-meditated attacks.

“Despite the enhanced presence of security teams, criminals are still trying to challenge the Government's resolve to restore normalcy and the economic livelihoods of the residents of Laikipia,” Matiang’i’s statement read in part.

In his statement, the CS also directed the beefing up of the ongoing security operations and deployment of additional special forces to the affected area.

Reports by the National Police Service spokesperson, Bruno Shiosi, indicates that the prevailing attacks in Laikipia originated from Baringo County.

Shiosi took to his Twitter account on Monday, October 11, and said the attacks originate from Orus, Kwototo, Paka and Akuchatis areas of Tanglubei Division in Tiaty East, Baringo County.

“The Multi-Agency operation shall continue to promote peace within the region, and shall pursue these criminals beyond the borders of Laikipia County right into their hideouts,” he stated.