President puts cattle rustlers on notice

By Francis Mulinya

President Uhuru Kenyatta today put cattle rustlers in the country on notice, saying the government will take stern action against anyone found engaging in the retrogressive practice that is the cause of insecurity around the country and especially among pastoral communities .

President Kenyatta said it was unfortunate that while the government is working hard to develop these areas that were previously marginalized, this outdated practice is eroding all the gains made.

Noting that the vice had assumed very dangerous proportions with innocent people losing their lives in the process , President Kenyatta warned cattle rustlers that their days are numbered and they will only have themselves to blame when found.

The President was speaking at Marigat High school grounds in Baringo country today where he addressed a rally after making an inspection tour of areas affected by flooding due to the rise in water levels of Lakes Baringo and Bogoria.

The President who was accompanied by the Deputy President William Ruto announced that a number of schools that were closed in the county following increased cases of cattle rustling will be reopened in the next two weeks.

He said, “We shall send extra security personnel to the affected areas to ensure that the schools are re- opened and normal learning resumes.”

President Kenyatta at the same time announced that the government will form a task force of experts to address the cause of the rise of water levels in Lakes in the Rift valley region and recommend appropriate measures to be taken to address the phenomenon.

Noting that the rise in water levels had also affected Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Lake Elementeita disrupting the ecosystem and interfering with people’s livelihoods around the Lakes, President Kenyatta said the government was committed to finding a quick solution to the phenomenon, and bring normality to the region.

The President brought a government donation of 500 bags of maize, 200 bags of beans, 100 cartons of cooking oil, and other donations worthy shs 5.5 million to the affected families.

He further said the central government will give the county government of Baringo shs. 20 million to reconstruct schools affected by the flooding. “ Iam also asking the governor of Baringo to use his county kitty in contributing to this worth cause,” he added.

The President and his deputy spoke of the shs. 6 billion Uwezo fund saying that once Parliament passes the relevant legislation to operationalize the fund, the money will be available to the youth and women of this country.

The two leaders noted that the government was empowering the youth of this country financially so that they can do business and to keep away from an engaging in criminal activities to earn a living.

The President observed that Baringo county was well endowed with minerals adding the government will enter into a partnership with the county government of Baringo to attract investors who will put money in the mines and help spur economic activities the area.

In his address Mr. Ruto urged asked Kenyans to cease perennial politicking and concentrate on development noting that time for competitive politics was long gone at the conclusion of elections in March this year.

Said Ruto, “Let us now close ranks and concentrate in forging ahead with the development of the country irrespective of party, religion, colour or creed.”

Mr. Ruto went on to say that the government was would irrigate thousands of acres of land in the mostly semi arid region to improve on food production in the area.

The two leaders were accompanied by cabinet secretaries Jospeh ole Lenku, Ann Waiguru and Phyliss Kandie, Baringo governore Benjamin Cheboi, Senators Gideon Moi, Charles keter and Kipchumba Murkomen and local MPs.