Ruto Orders KDF Deployment To Restore Peace, Rebuild Schools In Troubled West Pokot

WEST POKOT Kenya April 8 -President William Ruto has ordered for deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in the insecurity prone West Pokot.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Cemtech Limited clinker plant in West Pokot, Ruto ordered the immediate deployment of KDF officers to undertake the construction of classes burnt down by bandits and repair those falling apart due to neglect.

The move has however started causing uproar over its constitutionality with Opposition leader Raila Odinga accusing President Ruto of violating the Constitution by not seeking approval by parliament.

The President however assured parents in the region that the government will guarantee the security of all learners and learning institutions in the coming term.

“I want to say this while I’m in West Pokot. In the next two days, the army will be in Chesogon to ensure the schools are built. They will be there to ensure that when schools open next term, the children of those schools will be there,” the president said.

He added: “It cannot be the case in the 21st century in Kenya, a democratic country, that children do not attend school because of the few offenders who want to steal cows and damage property.”

According to the administration, over 20 schools have been closed indefinitely in Baringo and five others in West Pokot following incessant banditry attacks in the region.

Just a week ago, Ng’aratuko Primary School was razed to the ground by bandits. The bandits attacked in broad daylight until the police rescued the teachers and students.

“We closed the classrooms and left because we were told they would surround us and finish us off,” the head teacher said.

The President further assured the locals that the government will establish administrative units in the region to counter banditry.

“The military will be there, and all the security agencies to ensure that the region is properly looked after, and we will do that in all areas in Kenya,” Ruto said.

This is the second time President Ruto is deploying the military to the troubled region. In February 2023, the President also ordered a joint KDF and police security operation in all bandit-prone areas.