NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 18- After a spate of attacks linked to a group of Pokot warriors, the government is now considering declaring it outlawed.
The group is said to be behind a series of attacks that have left a trail of destruction and loss of lives in parts of North Rift.
Many people among them women and children have sustained injuries during the attacks.
Already, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi on Friday said he is set to
recommend to the National Security Council that Pokot warriors be declared an outlawed group
“The recommended categorization will allow for more forceful interventions against the group,” he said.
There is an ongoing operation in the area but the gang keeps breaching measures in place.
Authorities are also considering placing sections of the North Rift under a curfew.
The gangs operating in the area have been launching attacks before robbing locals of their livestock.
The CS made the remarks Friday during the issuance of Security Padlocks for National Exams at the Kenya School of Government -Kabete, Nairobi.
He regretted the Thursday attack on school buses by gunmen in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet that left a driver dead and at least 15 students injured.
The attack happened at 10.30 pm.
Matiangi said there exists a government policy restricting the travel of school buses beyond 6.30 pm.
In the Tot incident the school administrators were in clear violation of the stipulated policy, he said.
“The fact that the area of the incident is prone to banditry attacks should have informed more caution by the school administration,” he said.
Consequently, the CS ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the principal for violating the policy and for negligence.
He said more arrests will likely follow after full investigations on the matter.
He warned school management that the violation of the policy on restrictions on buses movement times will attract arrests and prosecution
The CS said the incident is a clear case of criminal aggression masqueraded as cattle
rustling and cultural practice.
“The Ministry has put in place adequate measures to secure both Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) scheduled to begin next month.
There are fears incidents of insecurity will disrupt the exercise.
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