Kenya Declares Curfew In Parts Of North Rift Affected By Insecurity

By Samuel Ouma [caption id="attachment_104435" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Interior Cabinet Secretary[/caption] The Kenyan government has imposed a month-long curfew in sections of the North Rift region following heightened incidences of insecurity in the area. The dusk-to-dawn curfew takes effect Tuesday, February 14, in West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Laikipia, Baringo, Samburu, and Turkana counties.  The areas have witnessed a rise in banditry and cattle rustling which has claimed several lives, including security officers. “Under this Order, there shall be no public gatherings, processions or movement, either alone or as a group during the period of the curfew except as has been permitted in writing by the Inspector General of the National Police Service,” read a gazette notice signed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki. The decision comes after President William Ruto proclaimed the launch of a massive campaign to eradicate illegal weaponry in the North Rift Valley. On Monday, February 13, Ruto stated that the security operation will be carried out by a multi-agency security force comprised of officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). He had directed Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and his Interior counterpart Kithure Kindiki to develop a coordinated strategy. President Ruto further declared a three-day amnesty period for bandits and anyone in possession of illicit firearms to surrender their weapons or face the full power of the law.