The Deputy President in Baringo on Monday/DPPS
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1 – Deputy President William Ruto has assured that only bandits are the targets of the shoot to kill order issued in Baringo.
Through his twitter account, the Deputy President stated that “no innocent Kenyan will be affected by the directive.”
He further described leaders encouraging children of others to engage in banditry as a disgrace.
He stressed that “bandits, who have stolen livestock, killed and displaced thousands of women and children must be dealt with decisively.”
His assurance comes in the wake of concerns expressed that the shoot to kill order will target innocent civilians.
A past rally attended by Ruto was hurriedly concluded as startled attendees started scampering for safety after it was disrupted by gun fire in the area.
Following the incident, the Deputy President gave security forces in the volatile region a shot-to-kill order.
Ruto further ordered more police reservists to be deployed in the region to help curb the worsening situation.
The Deputy President’s shoot-to-kill order has been heavily criticised especially by the National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders and other politicians in the Rift Valley region.
The NASA leaders, who spoke at a rally in Eldoret on Saturday, urged the government to deal with well-known criminals instead of issuing a blanket and dangerous directive.
Local leaders had asked the government to address the attacks which they say have resulted in the deaths of 10 people so far.
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