Ruto Orders Bandits to Surrender Guns Amid Plea to Deploy KDF to Narok County

President Ruto has vowed to quell the latest clashes that have besieged Angata Barikoi, Trans Mara, at the border of Narok, ordering residents holding guns to surrender them to the police.

Speaking during the Baringo Cultural Festival and the Kimalel Goat Auction on Monday, December 22, Ruto ordered a crackdown in the area, minutes after Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot requested the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces.

“These people have to return the guns to the police. If they don't, they will face it,” the President declared. 

Adding, "We must stop criminals, terrorists and all others who are infringing on the peace and security of other citizens. And we are not begging."

While referencing the relative calm in Baringo County that was once plagued by bandit attacks, Ruto said he expects the fighting in Barikoi to end, warning of tougher measures for those who will not listen to his directive. 

While making a plea to President Ruto, Cheruiyot expressed concerns over the latest skirmishes between the border communities that have claimed at least seven lives.

“I have heard that there are special forces who deal with bandits; the same bandits who were in Baringo have now gone to Angata Barikoi. Please send the special forces to deal with the bandits there,” Cheruiyot said.

The request by the Senate Majority Leader has come hours after the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a special gazette, declaring the Trans Mara West and Trans Mara South constituencies in Narok County as security-disturbed and dangerous areas for a period of 30 days.

Murkomen listed Kilgoris, Ang'ata Barrikoi, Lolgorian town, Mogondo, Keyian, Kirindon, Olderkesi, Nkararo, and Kapsasian, among other areas, as security-disturbed and dangerous areas of Narok County.

The government says the security presence in the listed areas has been significantly enhanced, with additional officers deployed to prevent further violence and protect residents.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, on December 20, announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the areas.

The violent clashes have left several people killed and more than 120 houses torched.

According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, children, women, and persons with disabilities are the most affected, with food stores destroyed by fire.

Police in Trans Mara have arrested a local Member of County Assembly (MCA) and another individual over their alleged involvement in the Ang’ata Barrikoi clashes.