The government has banned low-altitude aircraft form flying over the disturbed areas in parts of the North Rift region as it intensifies a multi-agency operation to crash banditry.
The ban which takes effect Monday 13 will remain in place until further notice. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said Sunday that only aircraft engaged in the ongoing security campaign will be allowed to operate in the area.
“Apart from aircrafts taking part in the ongoing security operation, low altitude overflight by any other aircraft over any of the afore specified areas is hereby BANNED with effect from Monday 13th March 2023 0830 HOURS until further notice,” Kindiki said Sunday in Malaso, Samburu as he announced new security measures in the six disturbed areas sitting in the Kerio Valley Belts.
The declaration of no-fly zone order comes amidst reports that some powerful shadowy figures have been using choppers to ferry weapons and ammunition and in some instances fighters.
In the past claims of a ‘mysterious chopper’ being used to supply ammunition emerged.
On February 16, Pokot South Member of Parliament David Pkosing was arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations detectives in Nairobi on allegations of financing bandit activities in the restive North Rift region.
While announcing the new security measures Kindiki also ordered the immediate vacation of residents living in 27 gorges, escarpments, caves, ravines, hills, and forests as part of the new security measures to tame banditry in the northern part of the country.
Kindiki subsequently gave the residents in the affected areas from Baringo, Laikipia, Samburu, West Pokot, and Turkana Counties 24 hours to immediately evacuate effective Sunday.
