Deputy President William Ruto directed police officers and National Police Reservists to take drastic measures against armed bandits in the North Rift region.
While speaking at a peace rally in Sibilo, Baringo North, where the National Police Reservists program was launched, Mr. Ruto emphasized that the bandits should face severe consequences for their actions.
According to Mr. Ruto, "Armed criminals who can dare kill a two-day-old baby can do anything and should not be spared but face the same consequences. I am issuing an order to police officers and police reservists to shoot any bandit they come across."
Mr. Ruto expressed sadness over the displacement of young children and mothers due to the persistent banditry attacks and cattle rustling in the region.
Directive on Illegal Firearms and Livestock Theft ¶
He further instructed police officers to shoot anyone caught stealing livestock, regardless of whether they possess a firearm or not, and to shoot on sight anyone found with an illegal firearm.
"We will no longer lose more people because of some few elements who do not want to reform," said Mr. Ruto.
The directive follows a series of violent incidents in Baringo County, including the killing of more than nine people by bandits and the displacement of over 3,000 individuals within the last week.
A chief, Thomas Chebor, was shot dead by armed bandits in Chekokel village while attempting to recover stolen livestock, highlighting the ongoing violence in the area.
The recovered account cited reporting by Nairobi News.
