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{
"id": 1235322,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1235322/?format=api",
"text_counter": 33,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": null,
"content": "kind of orders we gave after declaring these places disturbed and dangerous. The situation has improved. However, after we gave the 24-hour orders for the public to leave these dangerous places, which were gazetted and published, the unintended, but expected consequence was that some of the criminals took the 24-hour notice to mix with the rest of the population. After 24 hours, we dominated all the places we identified. I can report to the House today that the caves, the gorges, the ravines and all the places that were used as hideouts for bandits in Baringo, Laikipia, Samburu, Turkana, West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet are clean. They have been cleared and dominated by security forces. Our intention now is to make sure that those bandits will never access those places again. We will do so, by ensuring that our presence and those of security agencies in these areas is going to remain permanent, even after we call off the operation. We will not withdraw the presence of the police officers. They will dominate those areas and make it impossible for bandits to retreat to the Korkoron Hills in Baringo, Tandar Valley, the Pura Valley, Malaso Escarpment and all the gorges and caves that were identified. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we need to clarify for the public interest, through you, that those orders were not targeting habitual places of public residence. They were specifically targeting remote and uninhabited areas where bandits could retreat and plan attacks. Pursuant to the requirement of international law on the use of force, we are to give notice. Some would ask, why give a notice to bandits to vacate? The target was not the bandits. In fact, we did not expect them to vacate because these bandits had grown horns and were full of impunity and theatrics. That notice was intended for the general public. They could be members of their families, women and children. Under international law, if you are to use force, ensure the force is targeted at armed criminals or belligerent people who are resisting authority. The public should have that notice. I am happy to report that those places are now clear. Mr. Speaker, Sir, with regard to the attacks that we continue to experience in those areas, they are as a result of some bandits mixing up with the public during the 24- hour window. We are working very hard to ensure that we also extinguish the remaining threats. Mr. Speaker, Sir, in a nutshell, the operation is a success in our view. In the last few months, we have learned that there are still gaps which we will seal. We shall stay there as long as it takes. I wish to assure the people of Samburu County and all the other affected counties, including counties affected by this menace, but which are not part of the operation yet, we will make sure that culture is finished. We will ensure that the crime of violent cattle theft, rustling, banditry and visiting terror on the public by criminals is finished. It will be part of the history of Kenya. We are determined to do whatever it takes. It takes a while because of the intricacies involved, but we are on course and we will win the war. It is either Kenya or the bandits. It is either the law or the crime. One has to give way. Kenya will not give way. The Government will not give way. The people of Kenya will not give way. Bandits and criminals have to give way."
}