“As a country we are going to be firm on security. We must all be cautious and alert so that we identify the few criminal elements amongst us,” said Ruto/DPPS
The Deputy President said security agencies including intelligence officers and police among other government departments had been ordered to hunt down all those responsible for the killings.
“Security personnel are now on hot pursuit of those criminals responsible for the killing of innocent people in a bus today. They must all bring all the culprits to book irrespective of where they are even if they have fled to the neighboring Somalia,” said Ruto.
Saying security matters were a collective responsibility, Ruto told Kenyans to be always cautious on matters of security by joining the government’s efforts in the war against insecurity through community policing.
“As a country we are going to be firm on security. We must all be cautious and alert so that we identify the few criminal elements amongst us,” said Ruto.
He added “these criminals are not angels who are not known to us. They live with us in one way or another and we should expose them to security agencies for the necessary action to be taken against them.”
Speaking during a funds-drive in aid of Barwesa secondary school in Baringo County on Saturday, the Deputy President warned leaders against politicising security matters.
“As leaders we must put aside our political differences and take a common stand on matters of security,” he said.
He said leaders in pastoral areas among those hit by insecurity should demonstrate their seriousness in the fight against the vice saying the country could not move forward in an insecure environment.
The Deputy President said those who have made cattle rustling their source of income should find something else to do as those caught will be severely punished.
“We cannot move forward as a country if we still have some people engaging in cattle rustling activities. As leaders and Kenyans in general, we should stand firm in confronting the security challenges facing us.
Let’s keep politics away from security and work together,” he added.
“As a nation we must say enough is enough and work together,” said the Deputy President adding that all criminals were the same whether cattle rustlers, terrorists or bandits irrespective of religion or tribe.
“I have talked to the President this morning and as a government we have said enough to these insecurity problems. We must deal ruthlessly with these criminals,” he said.
On development, the Deputy President said the government has come up with a comprehensive plan to transform Kerio Valley region of Samburu, Turkana, Elgeyo/Marakwet and Baringo through establishment of irrigation schemes.
He said the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) in collaboration with the Ministries of Water and Agriculture were finalizing plans to put 250,000 acres of land under irrigation along the Kerio Valley.
“We want to change the narratives of Kerio valley region from that of cattle rustling to that of productivity through irrigation,” said Ruto.
“This marshal plans aims to ensure communities in the region become self reliant in food production and there will be no room for useless acts of violence like cattle rustling,” he added.
He said it was time Kenyans discarded useless activities which cannot add value to their lives and instead led to loss of lives and property.
Leaders who accompanied the Deputy President included Governor Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo), MPs William Cheptumo (Baringo North), David Wafula (Saboti), Irungu Kangata (Kiharu), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani) and Moses Lessonet (Eldama Ravine).
The leaders urged the Government to act tough on matters of security saying stern action should be taken against the perpetrators of insecurity.
“Those behind acts of lawlessness should be dealt with in accordance with the law to serve as a warning to those who could repeat the same,” said Governor Cheboi.
About The Author
