State will not let criminals harm Mt Elgon residents: Ruto

Deputy President William Ruto has condemned the killings and attacks in Mt Elgon, Bungoma County.

He said security personnel would be justified to use force to apprehend criminals as the Government would not let them continue causing mayhem.

"We will not sit and watch as innocent civilians are killed, women raped and livestock shot dead. Security personnel will be justified to use force to apprehend criminals," said Mr Ruto.

SECURITY

The DP, who attended a church service and funds drive in aid of 23 churches at Cheptais in Mt Elgon, urged members of the public to be vigilant and identify and report criminals.

"We've done a lot in this county but there will be no meaningful development without security. These criminals are not outsiders but they live among you," said the DP.

"Please don't harbour them as you will be the first one they will turn against," added the Deputy President.

Mr Ruto warned security personnel against colluding with criminals.

"The days are numbered for officers in partnership with criminals. You will be sacked and prosecuted," warned the DP.

He urged residents to support security personnel by volunteering information that can be used to apprehend criminals.

CRIME

During the church service, the congregation prayed for the more than 30 people who have killed by criminals in the past six months.

Mt Elgon MP Fred Kapondi accused a local politician of supporting crime.

"The criminals are jailbirds who are well-known as they have rape and robbery with violence cases in court," he said.

Mr Kapondi said that one of the criminals was recently shot dead by police and the politician called area administrators accusing them of killing an innocent man.

The legislator urged the government to deploy more Kenya Police Reservists (KPRs) to the troubled region.

Other leaders at the event included Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka, Trans-Nzoia Woman Representative Janet Nangabo and Laikipia Woman Representative Catherine Waruguru.

Others were MPs Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), Robert Pukose (Endebess), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), David Gikaria (Nakuru East) and John Waluke (Sirisia).

The DP announced that Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and his Lands counterpart Farida Karoney would tour the region on Wednesday to look for a lasting solution to the perennial security problem.

SUCCESSION POLITICS

Central Kenya MPs renewed their 2022 succession politics, assuring Mr Ruto that the region would back him in 2022.

"There is no debate as to who will take over from Uhuru Kenyatta. That is a deal done already. We've already signed the 2022 cheque," said Mr Kuria.

The venue for the prayer service was the same one used in 2016, where Mr Kuria claimed that the DP had been “fixed” when he was facing crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The case was later dismissed.

DEVELOPMENT

Governor Wangamati said his administration would work with all elected leaders in the area.

"I will work for those who did not and those who voted for us. We will also work with the national government for the benefit of the people," he said.

Mr Wangamati said the county government had acquired a vehicle for security personnel involved in the operation to flush out criminals in the area.

The county boss, however, demanded the transfer of some security officers who have overstayed in the area, expressing fears that some of them could be colluding with criminals.

PROMISE

Mr Ruto said the Jubilee administration was committed to fulfilling all pledges it made during the election campaigns.

He said the construction of the Kapsokwony-Chepkube road would soon be completed.

The DP said that in the last four years, more than people in Bungoma County have been connected with electricity.

He said 23 milk coolers would be provided for the county to boost milk production.

More than Sh10 million was raised during the funds drive, with the Deputy President and President Uhuru Kenyatta giving personal donations of Sh5 million and Sh3 million, respectively.