NAIROBI MARCH 17, 2017(CISA) – President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to beef up security in parts of Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Pokot and Laikipia counties.
“Today we held a session as the National Security Council and agreed to authorise the Kenya Defence Forces to immediately get in and lend support to the National Police in terms of manpower and equipment so as to restore security and deal with those who continue to threaten the lives of Kenyans,” said President Kenyatta who chairs the security council.
Speaking at the Administration Police Training College, Embakasi, where he presided over the pass out parade of 3,985 officers, President Kenyatta said that those who have defied orders to surrender illegal firearms are enemies of the State and will be dealt with accordingly.
“The deployment will further assist in disarmament and surrender of illegally held arms,” Presidential Strategic Communications Unit (PSCU) quoted President Kenyatta as saying.
President Kenyatta said the continued deterioration of the security situation in the affected areas has necessitated involvement of the military.
“Assuring citizens of safety and order is the pre-eminent duty of any nation. It is a foundational function – one which almost every other function of the government and of society depends on,” President Kenyatta said.
At least 21 people have been killed in Baringo as a result of bandit attacks in the past three weeks according to the Kenya Red Cross.
