West Pokot, Kenya: Deputy President William Ruto has asked leaders along the Kerio Valley to be at the forefront in spearheading peace among communities living in the region.
The Deputy President said leaders in the area were well placed to end insecurity problems occasioned by cattle rustling activities by preaching peace and harmonious relations among communities in the area.
Speaking while handing over a school bus at Kapsangar secondary school in West Pokot County on Saturday, the Deputy President urged leaders in the area to put aside their differences and work together in searching for lasting peace along the Kerio Valley.
“Insecurity is taking us back. Leaders should work together with our security agents to end these problems once and for all for the sake of peace and development,” he said.
“As leaders we should take the lead in the fight against cattle rustling among other outdated practices which undermine peace and development efforts,” added the Deputy President.
“I wish to make a passionate appeal to all leaders in Samburu, Turkana and West Pokot among other areas in the country to put aside their differences and take a common stand on matters of security,” he said.
“We should all know that security matters are collective responsibility that each and every one of us must participate if we are to get rid of criminals amongst us,” Ruto added.
He said the war against acts of lawlessness should not be left to police alone noting that security officers could not be everywhere to identify the few criminals undermining peace efforts without the support of the public.
Ruto said the Government has allocated Sh1billion to expand the Wei Wei and establish more irrigation schemes in Marich Pass among other areas along the Kerio Valley.
“We want to establish more irrigation schemes to enable the residents engage in serious farming activities and improve their living standards. By doing this there will be no room for acts of lawlessness,” said Mr. Ruto.
Ruto added that the Government has futher allocated Sh 8.5 million to the area to ensure uninterrupted water supply to residents in Kapenguria town and its environs.
West Pokot Governor, Simon Kachapin assured the Deputy President that leaders in West Pokot County were firmly behind him and the Jubilee administration despite the fact that they were elected under KANU party.
“I want to assure you that leaders in this county irrespective of their political parties are firmly behind you and the Jubilee administration. We have never been served by any other government than Jubilee,” said Kachapin.
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