The Ministry of Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has commended President William Ruto for delivering on his campaign promise to restore peace in the troubled Kerio Valley region.
“I thank the President for making good his campaign promise to silence the guns in Kerio Valley,” Murkomen stated.
Speaking during the Kerio Valley Interdenominational Prayers held in Tot, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Murkomen assured residents that the government would not allow the region to regress into violence.
“Anyone engaging in criminal activities will be dealt with to the full extent of the law,” he emphasized.
The Cabinet Secretary lauded the Church for its instrumental role in fostering peace and bridging social divides among the communities in the region.
“Peace is an indispensable ingredient in national development. That is why the Church’s pivotal contribution to the restoration of peace in Kerio Valley must be lauded,” Murkomen remarked.
He highlighted that collaborative efforts between the government, the Church, and other stakeholders had successfully fostered understanding and harmony among the various communities living in the valley.
Murkomen further noted that residents could now resume their socioeconomic activities without fear, adding that the government was committed to sustaining the newfound peace.
Murkomen outlined the government’s plans to reopen schools that had been closed due to banditry and insecurity, as directed by President Ruto.
“We will immediately begin working with our counterparts in the Ministries of Education, East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development to re-open the remaining schools affected by banditry,” he said.
Additionally, he announced plans to operationalize new sub-counties and administrative locations to enhance service delivery and promote sustainable peace in the region.
In August 2024, President Ruto reiterated his government’s determination to transform the face of Kerio Valley and other regions plagued by banditry and insecurity.
“We will change the face of Tiaty, Baringo County, other regions in Kerio Valley, and all marginalized areas so that all our children can access equal opportunities,” the President said.
Ruto urged local leaders to abandon divisive politics and work together to build a peaceful and prosperous future.
“We must unite, work together, and invest more in education so that we can empower everyone. We must decisively deal with criminals who undermine our peace, education, and economic activities,” he stated.
The government’s multi-pronged approach to addressing insecurity in Kerio Valley includes strengthening security, enhancing education, and fostering inter-community dialogue to ensure lasting peace.
