A 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew has been imposed in the volatile Kerio Valley region following a deadly attack which led to the death of a Catholic priest yesterday.
Speaking in Tot, Kerio Valley Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Ezekiel Amonde confirmed the curfew, stating that the move is aimed at restoring calm and enhancing security operations in the area.
“Concerning this issue of insecurity, we are doing all it takes to regain normalcy,” said Amonde.
The DCC noted that as of now, the Cabinet Secretary for Security, Kipchumba Murkomen, has ordered an immediate curfew so that the suspects can be pursued.
He added that most of them operate at night; KDF and GSU teams have been deployed to ensure that the suspects are identified and arrested.
The curfew follows the fatal shooting of Fr Aloice Cheruiyot Bett, a Catholic priest, who was attacked while returning from Kakiptul Location where he had gone to conduct mass. The assailants are yet to be identified, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich has strongly condemned the killing, describing it as “unwarranted criminal behaviour.”
“It is unfortunate that a few criminals have decided to wreak havoc on the community,” Governor Rotich said. “I urge all residents to surrender any illegal firearms in their possession and allow security agencies to do their work.”
Additionally, the governor also called on the community to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement officers as they work to apprehend the perpetrators and restore peace in the region.
Security agencies have assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to protect civilians and bring those responsible to justice.
By Rennish Okong’o
