IG Joseph Boinett issues hours ultimatum to Baringo rustlers, threatens dire action

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet

NAIROBI: Police have given rustlers hiding in Suguta Valley, Baragoi and hills of Baringo 48 hours to surrender stolen animals and illegal weapons or face unspecified consequences.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet also ordered grazers who have illegally invaded private farmlands in Makutani, Mochongoi and Marigat areas in Baringo County to return to their respective areas of abode.

“These groups and any other implicated in similar crimes have 48 hours to take heed this call, after which they will only have themselves to blame for the consequences of their defiance,” said Boinnet.

He said rustlers hiding in Suguta Valley have to surrender stolen animals that they have there.

“Surrender back the stolen property and surrender yourselves to the authorities before the firm hand of the law comes for you,” he said.

The valley has in the past been a death trap for police officers in the past operations.

Other officials said a major operation is planned in the areas to rid of the incidents.

The police boss said illegal grazers who have taken refuge in Ngelecha, Rugus hills and outlying areas of Baringo County have 48 hours to vacate.

He said he had visited the areas on Saturday and held meetings with local leaders on the way forward and agreed the measures to be taken.

Boinnet also called on the local leadership to support government in its efforts to bring peace in the affected areas.

Most grazers have migrated to private farms for pasture due to drought in most of the Baringo, Samburu, Turkana Counties and neighbouring areas.

This has created conflict amongst the communities in the area and prompted attacks and stealing of animals.

Boinnet said he informed the leaders on Saturday the government is determined to clean the region and any other region of cattle rustling and banditry.

“I told them there will be no mercy for rustlers, bandits and other elements who are bent on making that area insecure thereby negatively affecting livelihoods of the people and general social and economic well being and development,” said Boinnet.

During the Saturday meeting, an attack happened pitting two groups that left a student dead. Boinnet said no arrest has been made so far but investigations are ongoing.