This archive report was first published on 24 July 2019.
On Monday, Rift Valley Region Police commander Edward Mwamburi announced the deployment of 40 National Police Reservists (NPR) to the border between Elgeyo Markwet and Baringo Counties in Kerio Valley.
The police reservists underwent three weeks' training with the General Service Unit (GSU) and are expected to work closely with local police officers to tame rising cases of banditry at the volatile border.
According to Mwamburi, the police reservists will not only focus on containing cattle rustling but also act as mediators to maintain law and order in the region.
“We are changing the face of NPR by ensuring they understand their roles in maintaining law and order. It is not so much about attacking an enemy but being mediators,” said Mr Mwamburi.
He announced that more police reservists would be deployed to other cattle rustling-prone areas such as Laikipia, Turkana, and West Pokot.
Politicians in affected counties have been kept updated on the deployment, which comes after the Government faced criticism for disarming police reservists.
“I am pleased that we are walking with politicians in this journey of restoring security. Majority of them now understand why we needed to disarm NPR and do fresh vetting, including giving them new roles,” he said.
Earlier, Mwamburi had accused some leaders for politicising the NPR matter.
