Approve Kenya Defence Forces stay in Baringo, Parliament told

A lobby group in Baringo wants MPs to allow the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), currently involved in a security operation in the rustling-prone area, to stay there permanently.

"The ongoing operation is a move towards the right direction as well as fighting the ruthless cattle rustling and ruthless killings. MPs ought to approve their stay to completely mop up all the illegal guns in the arms of bandits," said Kipruto Kimosop, an activist.

Mr Kimosop, who is Baringo Human Rights Consortium co-ordinator, said should the KDF stay be approved by Parliament, they would extend their operations and patrols to other affected areas.

But he said the KDF were deployed without Parliament's approval.

The activist also blamed the leaders from areas believed to host rustlers for "doing little to educate their people on the importance of peace".

Kimosop also accused local MPs of failure to move a motion to discuss Tiaty MP Asman Kamama's conduct over numerous accusations leveled against him over failure to curb the cattle rustling involving his constituents.

But Kamama has denied having supported the vice, saying he is peaceful and calling for the bandits to be treated as criminals.

At the same time, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi assured investors and visitors touring the county that the region is safe and security has been beefed up.

"Business and life is normal in Baringo. Undoubtedly, we are hurt, but we will never let the agony meted on us and our brothers by banditry crush us," he said.