In a bid to address the escalating insecurity plaguing West Pokot County, President William Ruto issued a directive on Monday, April 8, ordering the immediate deployment of military personnel to the region. Expressing concern over the closure of several schools due to heightened insecurity, Ruto emphasized the urgency of restoring peace and stability in the area.
During his visit to West Pokot, Ruto announced that soldiers would commence operations within the week to facilitate the reopening of schools and ensure the safety of students. He underscored the government's commitment to rebuilding and reopening the closed schools, emphasizing the importance of education in fostering development.
"It is unacceptable that schools in this region remain closed due to banditry. Within the next two days, the military will be deployed to restore order and facilitate the reopening of these schools," directed President Ruto.
Ruto decried the prevalence of banditry and cattle rustling in West Pokot, lamenting the region's stagnation amidst the country's progress. He urged residents to seize the opportunity for development and prosperity, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to combat insecurity.
The President's directive marks the second military deployment to the North Rift region during his tenure. In February 2023, Ruto ordered a joint operation involving the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the police to address banditry in the area. While this initiative led to a significant reduction in banditry cases, challenges persist in West Pokot and Baringo Counties.
Addressing the ongoing displacement of communities in the affected areas, Ruto reaffirmed the government's commitment to restoring peace and security. However, he did not specify whether the upcoming deployment would involve a joint operation with the police, as seen previously.
As the military prepares to embark on its mission, hopes are high for a swift and effective intervention to alleviate the plight of residents and facilitate the resumption of normalcy in West Pokot.