Tight security along Kenya-Uganda border as disarmament starts

By Osinde Obare

Security forces have been deployed along the Kenya-Uganda border in West Pokot and Turkana counties to seize illegal firearms and curb cattle rustling.

Army trucks carrying soldiers and weaponry were spotted in Kitale on Wednesday evening.

The soldiers were from Eldoret and were headed for Kapenguria and Lodwar.

Residents have fled their homes in fear of the repercussions of the security operation.

The army at Kacheliba barracks was last week dispatched to Lodwar and deployed to Loima District along the Kenya-Uganda border.

The forces have been moved to Katikomor, Kanyerus, Alale and Nawayapong in Pokot North District.

Another team is at Loima, Lorengeppi and Oropoi areas to seal off some notorious routes used by bandits.

A source told The Standard that hundreds of security forces had been dispatched to specific areas to hunt for bandits and illegal firearms in the hands of civilians.

“We have stepped up a full scale disarmament exercise in the two counties. We are going to move from village to village in search of illegal guns and ammunitions and to pursue bandits,” said an officer who requested anonymity.

The deployment follows a meeting held inNairobi and Nakuru to map up strategies to be applied to pursue brigands.

Ill-planned operation

It follows an ill-planned security operation at Suguta valley that left over 40 officers dead. Security chiefs from Turkana and West Pokot counties were briefed on relevant issues regarding the operation to wipe out bandits.

“It is a full-scale operation and officers have secured the border to ensure bandits are stopped from crossing over to hideouts in Uganda,” said an Intelligence officer based in Kapenguria.

Some villagers in Kasei division fled the region fearing a military crackdown. Police are following leads to bring to book some influential politicians and businessmen in the North Rift allegedly to be involved in fanning cattle rustling.