A wave of banditry attacks along the volatile Turkwel belt on the border of West Pokot and Turkana counties has left at least 19 people dead since July 2025.
The assailants have also driven away more than 700 livestock, raising insecurity, fear and tension among the affected pastoral communities.
Authorities have reported over 80 cases of banditry within the period, prompting intensified government efforts to restore peace and stability in the troubled region.
Speaking in Turkwel after a meeting with senior security officials, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, Abdi Hassan, has announced that security forces have recovered 297 livestock recently stolen in attacks along the Turkana and West Pokot border.
Hassan criticised the Turkana community for failing to cooperate in government-led disarmament efforts, noting that while other North Rift counties have surrendered over 1,000 illegal firearms, none have been handed in from Turkana.
The regional commissioner emphasized that the government will no longer tolerate lawlessness, warning that if voluntary disarmament continues to stall, a forceful operation will be launched to recover the weapons.
“Peace and safety are non-negotiable priorities and the government is determined to restore order and security for residents who have long suffered from bandit attacks especially in warring communities, “he insisted.
The commissioner further urged local leaders to refrain from inciting communities through inflammatory remarks, saying political rhetoric has worsened tensions and fueled deadly clashes.
Hassan revealed that investigations into cases of incitement and suspected financiers are underway, with those found culpable facing prosecution.
The administrator appealed for unity between leaders and residents of Turkana and West Pokot, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through cooperation, mutual respect, and community dialogue.
He reminded the public that development in the North Rift depends on stability, and divisive politics only delay social and economic transformation in the area.
“I want to assure residents that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property and I encourage all communities to embrace peace initiatives and participate in disarmament efforts,” he reiterated.
The government, he added, is committed to restoring peace and ensuring that education, trade, and development can thrive in the North Rift region without disruption from insecurity and illegal activities to help build resilience.
Meanwhile security agencies continue to patrol the Turkwel belt and other hotspots, with joint operations underway to track stolen livestock and arrest those involved in banditry.
by Parklea Ivor
