The Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security chaired by Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West) met with MPs from Samburu North, Baringo South and Sigor constituencies to deliberate on the security situation in the region.

Members sought clarification on several issues including the state of security in the area, the number of incidents reported, the impact of insecurity in the area and the challenges faced by the representatives in their constituencies.

Hon. Eli Letipila (Samburu North) in his presentation stated that the genesis of the conflict in his constituency was centered around cattle rustling, but had since degenerated into cultural clashes.

He further claimed that bandits from Tiaty Constituency had been waylaying his constituents on roads along the border between the two constituencies, raiding the residents’ livestock and disrupting learning in schools.

“In my opinion, it looks like these attacks are planned and the attackers have a motive. The Government needs to intervene to ensure normalcy resumes in the area,” said Hon. Letipila.

Members of the Committee also sought to find which action between the deployment of additional officers from the National Police Reservists (NPR) and the disarming of civilians in the area would lead to peace and stability.

Hon. Letipila however said that the solutions would be to have a full military intervention and to forcefully disarm all civilians in the region.

Hon. Peter Lochakapong (Sigor) informed the Committee that in his constituency, residents were constantly clashing with neighbouring Turkana and Marakwet communities.

“The reason behind the conflict in Sigor is water and pasture,” stated Hon. Lochakapong.

Hon. Charles Kamuren (Baringo South) decried that the Elchamus community had suffered the most raids and had been evicted from their land by the residents of Tiaty.

“I plead with this Committee to ensure that the Government comes to our rescue and more Police Reservists are deployed in the area,” he said.

Hon. Tongoyo assured the Members of the Committee’s full support promising to play its part in ensuring that peace and unity are restored in the area.