KDF to be deployed to Samburu

By Beatrice Obwocha and PPS

The National Security Council (NSC) has ordered Kenya Defence Forces to be deployed to Samburu County to help police pursue bandits who killed 42 officers.

In a statement released on Tuesday evening by the Presidential Press Service, NSC stated that KDF will help police track down the bandits and recover the stolen animals and arms.

The Council directed all national security organs to liaise closely in restoring peace and security in the area.

The NSC issued the order after a meeting chaired by President Kibaki at his Harambee House office. Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka also attended the meeting.

The NSC condemned the killing of the law enforcement officers and reassured the public that everything will be done to ensure the culprits are apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law. 

The top security organ also directed the fast tracking of peace, reconciliation and disarmament exercises in all the affected areas countrywide.

President Kibaki at the same time sent a message of condolences to families of the police officers who lost their lives.