Beef up security in the north

Recent bandit attacks in Marti village, Samburu County that left at least 9 people dead indicate the cycle of violence in the region is not about to end. Peace remains elusive despite Government-led mediation talks between the warring communities.

Meetings at which community elders have sat to iron out their differences have not achieved much; any truce declared is broken almost immediately. This situation cannot be allowed to continue unchecked.

The Government must establish the underlying reasons for the constant conflicts which, apart from animal and human deaths, impact negatively on economic activities in the area. Proper and thorough investigations should be undertaken to flush out individuals who instigate violence and stand to gain from it, either politically or economically.

In the latest attack, police are said to have pursued the attackers, killed seven of the raiders and recovered over 300 head of cattle. While such efforts are commendable, it points to the fact that more and better equipped security personnel are needed to help in the maintenance of law and order. Raiders, in most cases have been known to surprise and outnumber policemen deployed in the region.