Natembeya: Officers trade bullets for food due to neglect

Police officers deployed to Rift Valley to fight banditry trade their bullets for food due to neglect, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has revealed.

Natembeya said an incident in Laikipia made him resign from his position as the regional commissioner.

He said some officers briefed bandits on planned security operations, frustrating efforts to curb banditry.

"What happened in Laikipia made me resign. When the officers are given the coordinates where criminals are, they shoot in the opposite direction," Natembeya said.

The governor who spoke during an inter-denominational prayer service in Nakuru told President William Ruto that during his tenure as regional commissioner, he was never allocated even a cent to fight insecurity in the region.

He said the security personnel deployed to tame insecurity in the area were not getting allowances, and that getting food was also a problem.

The county chief said this pushed the officers to enter into an unholy alliance with the criminals where they trade bullets for food.

Natembeya added: "The officers you see being killed in those regions are not getting allowances. The salary an officer in Kapedo gets is the same one an officer manning traffic in Ngata gets. There is no incentive whatsoever," said the governor.

"Your Excellency, do not accept to be shielded from your people, do not be shielded from the truth. There is a possibility people will show you what you want to see, a red carpet is laid for you, you will sit down here and later leave, but behind you, people are killed," he said.

President Ruto assured the governor that the government would not spare resources in the fight against banditry.

Ruto said that he had instructed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to deal firmly with the criminals firmly.

"I have instructed Kindiki to leave his office and pitch tent in North Rift until this issue is put under control. These few people are mocking us, but we shall deal with them accordingly," said Ruto.

Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago regretted that officers deployed to the region had been denied resources despite working in a highly volatile region.

"We need the officers deployed to Kerio Valley to be given helicopters. Mr President, the helicopters procured for the police were taken away, jeopardising their operations," said Mandago.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said a military base should be set up in Kerio Valley.

"We have lost 25 people in the last 40 days. We need a permanent military camp in the region to bring sanity to Kerio Valley," said Rotich.

Samburu Governor Jonathan Leleliit said insecurity had worsened lately.

"The situation is terrible. Insecurity is denying all residents sleep," said Leleliit.

Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu reiterated the need to step up security operations.

"As governors in the affected region, we have initiated joint efforts to deal with insecurity. Mr President, kindly order the county commissioners and police commanders to work together on this," said Irungu.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang said the problem would be solved if all government agencies worked together.

"It is regrettable that our region has continued to grapple with insecurity caused by a few individuals. We must come together to bring this challenge to an end," said Sang.

Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma said the recent mockery by bandits of the government's efforts to end the vice should be dealt with.

"We are requesting that you act on these bandits ruthlessly. They have killed your officers despite them acting on your instructions. This is not something to get away with," said Sirma.

Their sentiments came a day after three police officers were shot dead by suspected bandits in Turkana County.

Another police officer was killed in Laikipia County by suspected bandits at the Mahua Police operation base.

The bandits had raided a village in Kirima sub-county with intentions to steal livestock when officers from Kamwenje police post intervened and a shootout ensued.

"An officer was shot in the head and died on the spot," Laikipia County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri said. Over the weekend, armed bandits were seen around Kapindasum Primary School in Mukutani.

Tension was high in the region, and a source who sought anonymity told The Standard that security personnel held a meeting within the school on Saturday.

On Monday, learners were evacuated to a central point within the school to allow security personnel to carry out surveillance.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has been traversing Rift Valley in efforts to tame insecurity.