Government bans political rallies, meetings in Laikipia amidst security operation

LAIKIPIA,Kenya, Sep, 12 – The government through Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i Monday last week 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 was 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.

Further, Matiang’i also announced that the government has created a new sub county in the volatile areas in a bid to enhance security among other vital operations.

An entire police division will be stationed at the newly-gazetted Kirima division and two additional police stations established in the area while a training base for elite police officers will be established in the area and more police reservists hired and armed.

“More National Police Reservists (NPRs) and Kenya Police Reservists (KPRs) will be incorporated into subsequent security operations,” he said.

In the subsequent days after the announcement, security apparatus say peace is slowly returning to the area with enhanced security patrols being prioritized in order to protect residents.

National Police Service spokesperson Bruno Shioso now says, in order to maintain this, the government has instituted a ban on all and any political meetings and gatherings in the security operation zone.

“Attention of the National police service has been drawn to plans by some members of the public to conduct rallies in areas designated by the Kenya Gazette within Laikipia county. It is therefore illegal and irresponsible to hold rallies or meetings in contravention of the law. Any contravention by a person or group of persons shall be met with the full force of the law,” read a statement by Mr. Shioso.

Saturday, the rebuilding of homes razed down by bandits in Laikipia kicked off in earnest following assurances by government that residents will be protected.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i who spent a second consecutive day at Ol Moran kick-started the construction of the base for the newly-formed police division commander.

“I’m glad that there was no single incident was reported last night, and that is what we envision for our people. We have stepped up our presence here, and we have begun constructing the Ol-Moran Police Divisional Headquarters, and the basic feature of such a station is that it will have more than 100 police officers,” he said.

The CS who also supervised the distribution of more foodstuffs and building materials to displaced families expressed confidence with measures undertaken so far to restore calm.