IG Koome defends security strategy amid resignation demands over North Rift banditry

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has defended the ongoing multi-agency security measures aimed at reducing banditry in North Rift counties, despite mounting calls for his removal from office.

Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Koome asserted the effectiveness of the operation spearheaded by security teams saying they have so far recovered 184 illegal firearms, 11,600 livestock, and arrested 251 suspects.

He also said that the dedicated task group had successfully neutralised numerous bandits.

"The dynamics in these areas are quite difficult. We have been there for a while and we have 184 firearms recovered so far since we started this operation in February. Illegal firearms are out there to hurt our people. We have arrested about 251 people; a number have been neutralised. We have recovered almost 11,600 livestock," Koome said.

However, while expressing unwavering commitment to eliminating banditry in the regions, he acknowledged that they are having a challenge in Baringo County which is the most affected.

He affirmed that he has held talks with the county's leadership and they are working on finding a solution.

"There's a lot of commitment going on and the only place we have a problem is in Baringo," he said.

The IG noted that banditry is an organised criminal enterprise and the multi-agency team will not leave the affected counties any time soon.

Koome said they are fully committed to tackling the challenge and won't be withdrawing from the banditry-prone areas anytime soon.

"There are now nine counties. In all these places where we have banditry and livestock rustling, there are more sheep and goats stolen than cows. This is an organised criminal enterprise we are not pulling out from there soon," he said.

His sentiments come after Baringo County Woman Representative Florence Jematia called for the resignation of the IG over insecurity in the regions.

Speaking during the ‘Nkitainoto Olpapit’ ceremony (Shaving of hair) in Eldebe, Baringo South Constituency, Jematia criticised Koome for not taking directives from President William Ruto on ending banditry in the region urging the President to crack the whip.

"People are killed every day yet the IG is in Nairobi. You can't be the police boss in Kenya and wait for a report when people are getting killed. Why should you wait for the report instead of going to investigate?" she said.

She lamented the spike in banditry-related killings and urged the Head of State to remove the IG from his duties and appoint his replacement quickly.

"We are asking the President to act on it because the task has defeated Koome. We are also in government and it is hard to defend the government when people are dying. I am not happy to be a leader of people who are suffering. We are asking the President because the buck stops with him," she said.

Unrest and tensions have continuously escalated in areas of Saimo Soi and Bartabwa wards in Baringo County due to rampant banditry attacks, leading to loss of lives and the closure of schools.

Reports by the International Federation of Red Cross and Kenya Red Cross Society reveal that 2,781 households have been displaced, 33 fatalities reported and 26 others injured, since January 2024.

Additionally, 37 learning institutions have been closed including two secondary schools, 17 primary schools, and 18 ECD centres.

On Saturday, Defence CS Aden Duale announced the government’s plan to use special forces to end banditry in seven counties in the North Rift region saying it is part of the President's commitment to end banditry.

He warned that bandits would be dealt with in the same manner the government was dealing with Al-Shabaab along the Somalia border.

Other North Rift counties affected by banditry include Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana and Samburu.