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{
    "id": 1457015,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1457015/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 52,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Lomenen",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2940,
        "legal_name": "James Lomenen Ekomwa",
        "slug": "james-lomenen-ekomwa"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52 (1) to make a statement on a matter of a countrywide and general topical concern, namely the need to recruit additional National Police Reservists (NPRs) in the banditry prone areas of Turkana County, particularly the areas along the international and internal border areas in Turkana East and Turkana South sub-counties. These areas have regrettably been overrun by lawless bandits who have orchestrated numerous tragic raids against residents and committed heinous killings. Turkana County has a long-lasting history of inter-community raids with its neighbours, a situation that has metamorphosed into more intricate challenges such as commercialized banditry and fatalities stemming from boundary disputes. The banditry activities, predominantly orchestrated by lawless bandit groups, present a substantial menace to the lives, livelihoods, general peace and development of the region. The situation has forced some residents to flee their homesteads for several areas. An earlier disarmament of NPRs resulted in a security vacuum, allowing certain individuals, possibly in collusion with politicians, pursuing boundary expansion agenda to exploit the situation for personal gain. Despite the commendable efforts and decisive action in October, 2023 by the former Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, of recruiting and deploying at least 1,372 NPRs in the North Rift Region, a critical inadequacy persists in Turkana County. This is particularly so along the international borders with Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan, as well as the internal banditry-prone borders with Samburu, Baringo and West Pokot counties. The glaring deficiency greatly hampers the ability of the NPR to counter and overpower bandits during the raids. Mr. Speaker, Sir, to tackle the prevailing security challenges, I call upon the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to urgently put in place strategic measures for the recruitment of additional NPR to address the prevailing shortfall and to guarantee the safety and well-being of the communities in Turkana County. The recruitment of additional NPRs has the following merits: (i) Cost-effective - Utilising the NPRs will be more cost-effective than deploying regular security services. (ii) Knowledge of the locality - The NPRs being residents of the area, possess an intricate knowledge of the terrain and communities, thus aiding effective counter- banditry operations. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}