Develop North Rift region to end banditry menace

A man takes aim in Lokiriama, Turkana County. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

The North Rift region is hurting again. The killing of 11 people who included eight security personnel, a chief and a known peace crusader in Turkana East confirmed it is now a desolate region of death and desperation.

As early as 2003, a study by Security Research and Information Centre found that there were 127,519 illicit firearms in Turkana, Samburu, West Pokot, East Baringo and Marakwet. Community security, prestige and retreating state institutions were cited by the study as the main reasons for the communal armament.