At least 25 suspected rogue National Police Reservists
(NPRs) from different counties have been arrested or fired in the volatile
Kerio Valley in the past two years, Interior and National Administration
Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed.
Murkomen also barred politicians from taking part in the
recruitment of NPRs, as he appealed to the community to actively engage in the
process alongside the sub-county security committee teams.
Murkomen further revealed that the Operation Maliza
Uhalifu (OMU) team based in Chemolingot, Baringo County, mounted operations that have led to the recovery of 17,000 livestock, seized 200 firearms and more than
200 suspects arrested in Kerio Valley.
“We will agree on how the new NPRs will be recruited to
replace those removed or dead. We must
ensure the community is participating and sub-county security teams must
participate, that past practice where we left the process to politicians to
pick NPRs, that has ended,” he said.
“Our intelligence team will then do a background check on
records before clearance. From now henceforth, the NPRs will have an accountability mechanism to report to the OCS. No NPR will be allowed to switch
off the phone, and when there is a raid anywhere, we will do a head count.”
He said they are keen to train only those qualified.
“We don’t want to train militia, and those who engage in
unlawful activities will face the full force of the law.”
“The government has trained and armed NPR,s then they go and
commit crime, be informed (NPRs)…. Because you accepted to work under the NPS
as part of the police, you will be the most sought criminal before those in the
field, even after being sacked, you will be under consistent surveillance, as it’s
our responsibility to be checked, “he stated.
Speaking during a security meeting at Kambi Samaki in
Baringo County, the CS cautioned individuals exploiting insecurity for personal
gain, saying stern action will be taken against them.
“It’s a paradox that we have people who are relatives,
married and know each other, yet we are facilitating fights among themselves,”
said Murkomen.
He cited two places where there's insecurity.
The Baringo security meeting brought together the Rift Valley
Regional security team and Sub-County security teams from Marigat, Baringo
North, Mukutani, Tiaty Central and Tiaty East.
Commenting on the progress of OMU I, the CS praised security
personnel for their efforts, noting that the revival of economic activities in
the region is a clear indicator of the operation's success.
He also emphasised the ongoing fresh vetting of NPRs,
stating that the exercise is crucial in eliminating ghost officers and weeding
out rogue elements within the unit.
Earlier in the week, Murkomen announced reforms to streamline the operations of the National Police Reservists, including a nationwide re-vetting and
fresh training, establishment of a clearer command structure and improving
their welfare, which will include enhanced stipend and medical cover.
He also called for collaboration with local leadership and
communities to support the peaceful reconciliation of historical conflicts in the
region.
