SLDF resurgence a myth, PC tells residents

By ALLAN KISIA and VITALIS KIMUTAI

Bungoma County

Western PC Samuel Kilele and Mt Elgon MP Fred Kapondi say the Sabaot Land Defence Force militia has no chances of launching attacks.

Mr Kilele says residents should ignore claims the group was secretly regrouping.

"Mt Elgon has become a place of gossip until people have forgotten to work. SLDF was completely dismantled," added the PC.

He said individuals making the allegations were targetting to scuttle resettlement at Chebyuk scheme.

"Surveyors are on the ground doing their job but there are those who want to scare them away. They don’t want the survey to be completed," he added.

Speaking separately, Kapondi refuted reports that SLDF members were regrouping to cause anarchy.

Kapondi accused some human rights organisations of sending shock waves to satisfy selfish interests. "I have repeatedly complained that some individuals operating briefcase NGOs should be investigated for making wild allegations and inflammatory statements on security matters in Mount Elgon to attract donor funding," Kapondi said.

He said that contrary to the Press reports, Mt Elgon was a peaceful.

Residents reportedly panicked recently after 50 people in jungle uniform were allegedly spotted by a herder in Mt Elgon Forest.

The Western Kenya Human Rights Watch director Job Bwonya claimed most SLDF remnants were roaming freely and were threatening residents.

Mount Elgon DC Omar Salat told The Standard that Bwonya went underground after being summoned to appear before the District Security Intelligence Committee.

Record statement

Salat said he would be made to record a statement on the issues to shed more light on what he knew.

Last week, Bwonya said there were indications members of the dreaded militia were regrouping and could launch attacks.

He is said to have gone underground and efforts to trace him have not been successful since last Friday.

"NGOs should be careful not to spread rumours and propaganda that have a potential to cause fear and rifts among the people," Salat added.