LAIKIPIA TO GET 250 MORE NATIONAL POLICE RESERVISTS TO INCREASE SECURITY SAYS DP GACHAGUA

To plan how to put a stop to the widespread instability in the county that has taken lives and property, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua convened a high-level conference of Laikipia's leaders and security chiefs.

At the Sunday night gathering of political figures, members of the County Executive, members of the National Government Administration, security officers, business community representatives, members of the County Assembly, and opinion leaders, Gachagua issued a warning: security issues are non-negotiable, and any negligence will not be accepted.

Our citizens should have complete security. It is too much to lose even one life. It is intolerable that people have lived in dread in this place for far too long. "I would like the new County Commissioner, Onesimus Kyatha, and your group to collaborate with the remaining security officers," he uttered.

He warned the security guards that the government could no longer watch helplessly as thieves kill, rape, and pilfer animals.

"You are here to work for the government. The task is easy. Protect our people. The deputy president stated, "Make sure our people sleep in peace, that women do not live in fear of being raped or girls defiled, and that our men do not sleep outside protecting their families."

An additional 250 National Police Reservists (NPRs) have been declared by the Deputy President to increase security in the volatile county.

In addition, he invited County Commissioner and Police Commander John Nyoike to collaborate with political leaders and promised that operational and logistical issues would be resolved. He appealed to the community, political, and religious leaders to stand with the security guards.

"I would like to ask our uniformed men and women. Keep your word and uphold your oath of duty, people. When community members or leaders provide you with information, you should protect it with your life since these robbers are hazardous. Maintaining anonymity will provide you with a wealth of knowledge that will simplify your task. The Deputy President remarked, "I want leaders to keep interacting with the officers.

Gachagua stated earlier at two security meetings and Ng'arua the Holy Family Catholic in Laikipia West that the Ruto Administration would not permit the county's growth potential to be harmed by widespread insecurity.

For President Ruto to carry out his pledge to remove insecurity in the county by 2022, he continued, everyone must support him.

Recalling that he served in Ng'arua as a District Officer in 1998, at the height of ethnic animosity and attacks, the Deputy President said he saw no reason or difficulty for the security officers' failure to put an end to attacks against the local populace. Instead, he worked with the community and security agencies to restore order to the then-troubled region.

Our message to the populace was that insecurity would cease if they chose Dr. Ruto to be President and Rigathi Gachagua to be his deputy. We plan to honor that pledge. It is feasible; we know the formula. Discussion is not allowed.

Any officer who tries to impede our plans will not benefit from it. Lazy officers are not transferred," he declared.

According to Mr. Gachagua, Laikipia's citizens must live in safety and tranquility as long as a government is in power.

Gachagua instructed County Commissioner Kyatha and County Police Commander Nyoike to track down criminals who were bothering locals during a public meeting in Matuiku Township. Publicly, the two policemen pledged to carry out and provide as directed.

"We cannot tolerate harassment of the populace by those in possession of government firearms and other resources. People need to sleep soundly and not worry about the future. Our government is accountable, the Deputy President declared.

According to Mr. Gachagua, although the people of Laikipia are hardworking, their efforts are nonetheless hindered by insecurity.

According to him, the government is funding infrastructure projects like irrigation to help the populace reach its full socioeconomic potential.

In contrast, the Deputy President stated that the National Government is dedicated to resolving conflicts between humans and wildlife to prevent losses of life and means of subsistence as a result of stray animals from the Laikipia Conservancy.

"I request that the Members of Parliament examine the legislation to enable the National Police Service to support the Kenya Wildlife Service in managing the wildlife," he said at the Ngarua Church.

The Deputy President further requested that the security agencies step up their efforts to eradicate illegal substances, alcohol, and substance misuse from the County.

Security authorities are directed to eradicate the offenders, according to Patrick Mariru, principal secretary for defense.

Leaders in attendance urged support for President Ruto's efforts to bring about the development that the people have been promised.

"We appreciate that the Deputy President made sure that insecurity was taken care of. Governor Joshua Irungu of Laikipia said, "We can see the positive strides that have been taken."

 Emurua Dikirr Johana Ng'eno requested assistance from the leaders of Mount Kenya.