Government creates a new sub county in Laikipia amidst Bandit insurgency

LAIKIPIA,Kenya, Sep, 10 – Following the raging violence in Laikipia that has seen at least 10 people among them police officers killed by suspected bandits, the government has finally resolved to create a new sub county in the volatile areas in a bid to enhance security among other vital operations.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i made the announcement via a gazette notice dated September,9,2021.

“In an effort to enhance coordination of the functions of the National Government, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and co-ordination of National Government, establishes the following administrative unit as a service delivery co-ordination unit: sub county, Kirima,” said Matiang’i in a gazette notice.

The newly established kirima sub county will now see its headquarters be in Ol Moran Township. Laikipia county will now have a total of six sub counties.

As a result of the changes and in accordance with security guidelines, a hierarchy command consisting of a deputy county commissioner, sub county police commander, will be assigned to the area.

Matiang’i is set to tour the volatile region Friday in a bid to assess the security operation and provide timely updates to Kenyans on the state of security.

Tension continues to remain high in Ol Moran area with residents fleeing their homes,seeking refuge in churches and police stations among other places.

The state of learning in the volatile area has also been affected after several schools were forced to close.

Area leaders have condemned the incidents saying government needs to protect innocent civilians from the marauding bandits.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i Monday revealed that the National Security Advisory Council (NSAC) chaired by president Uhuru Kenyatta resolved to declare the Laikipia Nature Conservancy and its environs as a disturbed area and therefore a security operation zone.

A dusk to dawn curfew has been declared in the area.

“All leaders including politicians, businessmen, public officers and others who have illegally moved their livestock into the conflict zone to remove the same from there within 48 hours,” said Matiang’i in a statement.

Areas under government surveillance include: the Laikipia Nature Conservancy owned by conservationist Kuki Gullman in Laikipia West, government-owned ranches; ADC Mutara ranch in Laikipia West and 80,000 – acre Kilmon farm, Mugie ranch, Loisaba and Kirimon Nature National Reserve in Laikipia North.