Senate Committee to address banditry crisis in Samburu as residents demand action

The Senate's Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations is set to address the persistent issue of banditry in the Lorroki and Malaso Divisions in Samburu County.

This is after the residents urged the Senate to engage relevant Government agencies to establish the root causes of insecurity and make appropriate recommendations.

Scheduled for this Thursday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), the meeting will be led by Baringo Senator William Cheptumo at noon.

Residents from the areas said they are deeply affected by the insecurity and will present their concerns and urge action from relevant government agencies.

The petitioners highlighted the dire consequences of the ongoing violence, including loss of life, property, and disruption of economic activities over the past two years.

“Over 50 lives have been lost so far and 22 people injured in the conflicts and thousands of animals stolen. Residents of Lorroki and Malaso divisions have been enduring a sustained security crisis for approximately two years now,” reads the petition.

They added that insecurity in the areas has resulted in disruption of learning, closure of schools and displacement of people in Amayia and Nasur sublocations.

As a result, the residents noted that the chaos has led to an increase in school dropouts and poor performance among learners.

“Teachers also fear travelling to and from schools within the area,” they said.

Governor summoned

On March 5, 2024, the Rift Valley regional headquarters of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nakuru summoned Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelelit due to the increased cases of banditry in the county.

This was the second time he had been summoned in less than a month.

He said the security officials are wasting time on him, instead of finding the real criminals.

"People are being killed every day by bandits. It's unfortunate that instead of us staying there to help people, we are called here. We would be there helping the security people to find criminals. Two days ago, a former police officer and an MCA were killed. Almost daily we have somebody killed and we are here wasting our time instead of being with our people," he said.

On February 9, Lelelit was among seven people including senior county government staff, who were questioned by the Rift Valley DCI officers over insecurity.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has vowed to combat the organised criminal activities fueling the violence.

On Wednesday, the CS met with Samburu leaders at Harambee House to discuss how banditry can be best tackled.

He noted that the State undertakes to respond strongly to dismantle the organised gangs of bandits terrorising innocent citizens within Samburu and neighbouring Counties.

"The government regrets the recent escalation of violent attacks in parts of Samburu," Kindiki said.