Inspector General David Kimaiyo defends Kapedo operation

Kenya: Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo has defended the ongoing joint police and military operation in Kapedo, Baringo County.

Mr Kimaiyo said security forces on the ground are currently engaged in a disarmament exercise which he said has so far seen 25 suspects arrested of which 19 have already been arraigned in court, with 21 firearms recovered while two are still missing. He however said no ammunitions have been recovered during the operation.

Mr Kimaiyo sought to assure Kapedo residents that the operation was geared towards flushing out armed criminals adding that the officers involved in the operation have been instructed to ensure human rights of innocent and unarmed civilians are preserved.

He said it is following the violent attack in the area which culminated in the killing of 23 police officers and five civilians by armed bandits that a combined operation and Kenya Defence Forces(KDF) was mounted to flush out the bandits.

The Inspector General said police are conducting intensive investigations aimed at piecing together evidence relating to some political leaders, elders, retired officers from communities in the region who he said are involved in aiding and financing the bandits.

"I take this opportunity to warn all leaders to desist from such activities and instead embrace preaching peace and harmony among communities for the sake of cohesiveness and development in the area," Kimaiyo said.

He said contrary to the recent sentiments by local leaders the operation was solely aimed at recovering the lost weapons and uniforms from the slain officers while at the same time security agencies will mob up illegal firearms and track down the bandits.

In statement on behalf of the IG, police spokesperson Zipporah Mboroki said the IG wishes to assure the public that police in collaboration with other security agencies were determined to restore peace and order in Kapedo area, its environs and the country as a whole.

"I wish to caution the media and the public against disclosing information or images in the mainstream media and social networks that is false or otherwise likely to compromise the ongoing operation. The operation will continue to be conducted in full adherence of the rule of law and without fear or favour," said Mr Kimaiyo.