Security has significantly improved across the North Rift region following sustained government operations against banditry and criminal activities, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan has said.
Hassan said Operation ‘Maliza Uhalifu’ had recorded notable gains in restoring peace in previously volatile areas, enabling residents to return to their homes, businesses to reopen and communities to resume normal economic and social activities ahead of this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret.
Speaking during a media briefing in Eldoret on Monday, the Regional Commissioner said the government was determined to consolidate the gains through sustained security operations, intelligence-led interventions and enhanced collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
He disclosed that more than 2,000 illegal firearms had been recovered through an ongoing disarmament exercise, describing the achievement as a critical step towards disabling the capacity of armed groups to terrorise communities and disrupt livelihoods.
“The government’s objective is to ensure that residents can live without fear, children can attend school, farmers can access their land and traders can conduct business in safety,” Hassan said.
He noted that security operations would continue in areas requiring further intervention, including the Turkwel Belt, Malaso and Suguta valleys, as well as the Mukogodo enclave, to bring them under effective security control.
Hassan warned that bandits, their financiers and individuals facilitating criminal activities would be pursued through targeted operations and dealt with in accordance with the law.
He credited the progress to coordinated efforts by the National Police Service, the Kenya Defence Forces, national government administration officers and other security teams, while commending communities and local leaders for cooperating with authorities.
The Regional Commissioner said enforcement measures were also being complemented by peacebuilding initiatives, including community dialogue meetings aimed at addressing grievances, strengthening relationships and promoting peaceful coexistence.
He added that the establishment of additional administrative units had brought government services closer to residents while improving coordination between communities and security agencies.
Hassan said security agencies had also intensified intelligence-led operations against criminal gangs and organised criminal networks in parts of the wider Rift Valley, including Nakuru City and Naivasha, as part of efforts to prevent criminal activities from spreading to other areas.
He further reported progress in addressing inter-community disputes, livestock theft and illegal occupation of protected areas, including the removal of people who had encroached on the Maasai Mau Forest. Investigations were ongoing to establish those who facilitated the illegal occupation.
The Regional Commissioner, however, cautioned against complacency, saying security agencies would sustain their vigilance and respond firmly to emerging threats.
He called on political leaders, religious institutions, the media and members of the public to promote peace and reject hate speech, incitement and ethnic hostility as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
“Security is a shared responsibility, and together we must ensure that the law prevails, communities remain safe and every citizen can live in peace,” he said.
Hassan’s remarks come as Eldoret prepares to host the national Mashujaa Day celebrations on Tuesday, October 20, at Kipchoge Keino Stadium, with Uasin Gishu co-hosting the event alongside neighbouring Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
The celebrations will focus on security, sports and finance, with the government highlighting the importance of peace and stability in supporting economic development, investment and service delivery.
On the finance theme, Hassan said public engagement during the thematic week had provided opportunities to discuss taxation, revenue mobilisation, public finance, investment, access to credit and enterprise development.
He said citizens deserved transparent information on government projects, the use of public resources and the benefits expected from public investments in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, housing and other essential services.
The Regional Commissioner urged residents and visitors attending the national celebrations to cooperate with security agencies, observe the law and help maintain peace throughout the event.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining security operations and working with communities to ensure that the gains achieved translate into lasting peace, stability and prosperity across the Rift Valley region.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
