The Kenyan government has issued a 24-hour vacate notice to civilians living in 27 marked areas.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Interior the 27 marked areas are spread across five counties where the government believes bandits have been hiding and using their families as human shield.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki says the expiry of the ultimatum is Monday 8.30am, the government will then embark on a new phase of the war that targets flushing the bandits from caves, forests, gorges and ravines.
“All law-abiding civilians have been ordered to immediately vacate: Korkoron Hills, Tandare Valley and Silale gorges in Baringo; Mukogodo Forest; Kamwenje, Warero and Ndonyoriwo; Lekuruki Hills, Losos and Kiape Caves and Sieku Valley in Laikipia.” Ordered the CS.
Similarly civilians in Ltungai Conservancy, Longewan, Nasuur, Lochokia and Lekadaar Escarpments; Lolmolok Caves, Pura Valley, Malaso Escarpment and Suguta Valley in Samburu have also been ordered to vacate with immediate effect.
“Further, those currently in Kapelbok, Nakwamoru, Lebokat, Ombolion, Nadome and Kamur caves in Turkana; Turkwel Escarpment at the interface of West Pokot and Turkana counties are hereby ordered to get out before the lapse of the 24-hour ultimatum issued by CS Kindiki.” The statement read.
Deputy Inspector General of police Nur Gabow will lead the operation taking over from the Rift Valley Regional Police Commander.
Meanwhile, Defense Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale reiterated the government’s commitment in dealing with banditry and the Al Shabaab menace that have become a thorn in the flesh of Kenyans.
His remarks come at a time when there have been heightened attacks in North Eastern and parts of Coast Region.
Several lives have been lost including those of security officers.
The most recent attack occurred two weeks ago when two security officers were killed and two others injured when their vehicle ran on an IED at Hagarbur, near Dadaab.
In North rift, Incidents of banditry have left hundreds dead and others injured with animals stolen in the past months despite operations to tame the trend.
Speaking at Madarasatul Khadija in Garissa town, Duale called on Kenyans especially in areas affected by insecurity to work closely with the security apparatus in not identifying criminals hiding in their midst but also be ambassadors of peace.
Source: Nam News Network (NNN)