Baringo, Laikipia operation will cost Jubilee votes, leaders warn

 

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin

West Pokot leaders have asked the government to suspend the ongoing insecurity operation in Baringo and Laikipia counties arguing that the operation might cost the Jubilee government votes.

The leaders led by West Pokot governor Simon Kachapin and Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto said the operation is scaring away residents from casting their votes in the August 8 elections and better peace keeping methods should be found.

"Jubilee government should ensure that there is enough peace in insecure regions to ensure that all Kenyans cast their votes... residents have a right to exercise their democratic right and the government should provide a conducive environment," said Governor Kachapin.

“The government should not use excessive force in restoring peace in Laikipia County. Those are Kenyans and we need them to vote for this government. The security officers are using excess force in the region. They are killing innocent residents who are not armed. The government should investigate who are behind these incidents," said Moroto.

The security operation in west Pokot was launched early this year to flush out bandits from Baringo and Kerio Valley, while that in Laikipia is being conducted after herders invaded private ranches in the area.

In March, residents of West Pokot demonstrated against the operation in the county citing excessive use of force by security officers.

Kachapin said it is the mandate of national government to ensure adequate security in the country to ensure Kenyans participate in the elections.

The governor also asked all political leaders not incite Kenyans but instead give them conducive environment to elect leaders of their choice.

"Kenya is big and it's not good to incite people. We have a right to elect leaders of our choice without force. Let's embrace peace first," he said.?