President William Ruto has said that the Kenya Defence Forces(KDF) will help in rebuilding schools in areas affected by banditry.
Speaking on Friday during the commissioning parade of Cadets in Lanet Barracks, Nakuru, the head of state said KDF will work together with the Ministry of Education to fulfil this.
He said the move will allow all children affected by the recent attacks to get access to education.
“I have directed the military to work with the Ministry of Education to rebuild all schools to allow children to go back to school,” Ruto said.
The president said his administration will firmly deal with the banditry issue to ensure there is peace and stability in affected areas.
“We’ll be decisive in stamping out banditry and neutralizing any bandit who defies the government and attempts any criminal or illegal acts.
“Every bandit must be brought to book. Every illegal gun surrendered willingly or by force and every child must go back to school.”
The president’s remarks come even as a multi-agency security team continues to look for bandits in the affected areas.
Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Noor Gabow was named the new commander of Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift.
Gabow, a seasoned career police officer, is leading a multi-agency team in the six counties that are increasingly becoming ungovernable over gun attacks.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said on Thursday that 140 assorted guns have been recovered from the region and efforts to get more are ongoing.
Kindiki imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in banditry-prone areas as he declared them disturbed and dangerous. The 30-day curfew began on February 14.
Through a Gazette notice, Kindiki said some areas in counties including Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu will be affected.
He said more than 100 civilians and 16 police officers have been brutally murdered by marauding bandits and livestock rustling terrorists in Northern Rift Valley.
