DIG Suspends Security Meetings In Elgeyo Marakwet

The Deputy Inspector General of  the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat has suspended all local security peace meetings conducted by village elders in Elgeyo Marakwet, to allow police officers to carry out security operations effectively.
Lagat conducted a tour of the region on Friday, March 7, 2025, accompanied by senior officers, including the Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU), Ranson Lolmodooni, and the Commandant- ASTU, Joseph Limo  among others, to assess the security situation following recent banditry incidents in the area.
He met with various Sub-County Security and Intelligence Committees, including representatives from Tiaty West and Pokot Central, and delivered four more mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles (MRAP) to be used by security agents in the operations.
The DIG also commended the multi-agency security team for their efforts in restoring security, peace, and tranquillity to the region, further stating that security has been bolstered through the strategic deployment of additional security personnel.
Lagat directed the multi-agency security team to intensify efforts to recover illegal firearms and expedite the arrest of criminals responsible for terrorising local communities.
The area is among those under Operation Maliza Uhalifu targeting bandits. Launched in February 2023, Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift is a government security initiative that targeted escalating banditry, cattle rustling, and violence in nine counties including Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru. Hot spot areas in these counties were designated as “Disturbed” and “Dangerous,” in the operation that brought together the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a coordinated effort to restore peace and stability in the region.

Security officers on the ground have effectively disarmed hundreds of bandits, dismantled their hideouts in the rugged terrain, and restored stability to affected communities.
To strengthen local security, the government has restructured the management and command of the National Police Reservists.
In 2023, a total of 1,702 reservists were recruited and trained in Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, Meru, Turkana, and West Pokot. At least 400 reservists in Elgeyo Marakwet and Isiolo were re-armed to supplement the ongoing security operations in the area. The Government also  gazetted 126 new administrative units across Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Meru, and Laikipia Counties to enhance governance and improve service delivery. This initiative is aimed at strengthening local administration, improving resource allocation, and enabling a more effective response to security  challenges.