from Baringo County have lauded the government for restoring peace in the troubled areas of the region and expressed optimism that the tranquillity could give room for development.
Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, who led leaders in applauding the government, said perennial cattle rustling and banditry have for a long time hindered meaningful development from taking place in the county.
Cheboi recalled his first term in office in 2013, noting that the county was seriously struggling with the insecurity menace to a point where it made local and foreign visitors fear visiting the county.
The Governor was addressing the Jamhuri Day celebrations that he graced alongside the County Commissioner (CC), Stephen Kutwa, and gave an assurance that the situation has now changed courtesy of a multi-sectoral approach, which has yielded peace for close to a year now.
Speaking at Kabarnet National Museum grounds during this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, Cheboi thanked the leadership of President William Ruto for honouring a pledge to residents during the 2022 campaign period to eradicate the vice once and for all in affected counties of the North Rift region.
“I want to thank President William Ruto because he assured Baringo residents during the 2022 campaigns that he will end the insecurity menace in the Kerio Valley region which he has done,” he said.
He noted that the relative peace witnessed in every corner of the County will make them to focus on implementing social economic developments, which are geared towards improving the livelihoods of the people.
Cheboi’s sentiments were echoed by his Deputy Eng Felix Kimaiyo, who noted that the sustainable peace that is being witnessed across the County will boost tourism, which is one of the leading sectors in the County which was hardly hit by the menace.
Kimaiyo who is the acting County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Tourism said the county expects the sector will grow tremendously, owing to peaceful coexistence amongst the local communities.
CC Kutwa said the current situation in the county is different compared to last year during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, where the residents in insecurity prone areas faced a surge in deaths and loss of properties, as emergency response was also a major challenge.
The CC assured residents that during these Christmas festivities, the multi-agency security teams will continue to offer protection to them and their properties and they will celebrate it without any major incidents.
Kutwa noted that part of the progress is due to the ongoing national amnesty programme, which has yielded to 561 illegal firearms and 1,600 bullets across the county.
He encouraged residents to voluntarily surrender illicit weapons to their respective chiefs or neighbouring police stations and they will not be victimized at all.
Kutwa at the same time recognised the outgoing Baringo County Police Commander, Julius Kiragu, whom he said played a crucial role in stabilising the county during his three-year tenure in the county.
“You are our hero in this county; we appreciate the work you have done in this particular county on matters security,” he heaps praise on the police commander, who will be retiring in January next year after 38 years of service.
The Commissioner challenged other officers to emulate the Commander’s focus, commitment and resilience in ensuring lasting peace in the County.
By Benson Kelio and Christopher Kiprop
