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{
"id": 1547338,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1547338/?format=api",
"text_counter": 871,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Saku, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Ali Raso",
"speaker": null,
"content": "At the outset, I wish to thank the Speaker of the National Assembly, and also the Clerk of the National Assembly, who have been gracious and magnanimous to have facilitated the seamless conduct of the Committee to all these disturbed areas. They went to the extent of getting us on a helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, and also ground transport to facilitate us to reach whatever destination we had decided to go in order for us to come up with a comprehensive study of what is ailing this region in terms of security. We must also thank the Regional Commissioner of Rift Valley, the County Commissioners, and the Deputy County Commissioners (DCCs) of the different areas that we visited. They gave us unfettered access and briefs. They were candid with us on the challenges and suggested solutions to what was ailing their areas. Regardless of where Kenyans live in this Republic, they desire to live in peace and seek development. Contrary to many Kenyans in different parts of the country who are up in arms seeking development, people living in the North Rift region are only pleading with the Government to allow them to live in peace. This is such a serious contradiction. That on one side people are seeking peace, and on another, people are seeking development. The insecurity situation in the six counties of the North Rift region of Kenya, that is, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, and Laikipia has been a pressing concern for many years. It is characterised by criminal activities in the form of banditry, cattle rustling, and internal communal conflicts. The situation not only threatens the safety and stability of the region, but also has broad implications for national security. In February 2023, the then Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Hon.(Prof.) Kindiki, declared the prevailing security situation in part of the six counties of the North Rift as a national emergency. Accordingly, the Cabinet Secretary, through a Kenya Gazette Notice dated 23rd February 2023, declared certain specific areas in Baringo, Elgeyo, Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, and Laikipia counties as disturbed and dangerous. Hon. Temporary Speaker, to further enhance the security situation, a police-led security operation supported by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) dubbed, “Operation Maliza Uhalifu\" in the North Rift, was ordered in February 2023 in the six counties in line with Article 241(3)(b) of our Constitution. In fulfillment of its mandate and in recognition of the urgent need to address banditry as a national security concern, the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs resolved to undertake an inquiry into the security situation in this region. It was conducted between August 2023 and April 2024. The Committee commenced its inquiry by meeting with the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner and the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration for an overview of the security situation. Subsequently, it conducted a fact-finding visit to the region. Let us start with Samburu County. The epicentre of insecurity affecting Samburu County is in Tiaty Constituency, and in particular Tiaty East. The security challenges stem from disputes over land, water, pasture, and territorial dispute resulting in violence, displacement of villages, loss of human life and livestock. Samburu County has an expansive landscape encompassing diverse terrain ranging from highlands to low-lying plains, as well as escarpments and gorges. The rugged and underdeveloped areas often serve as hiding spots for bandits. The lack of adequate security presence, marginalisation and impassable terrain worsen the situation allowing bandits to operate with impunity. The violence results in a high number of causalities, including civilians, security forces, and livestock. Communities in affected areas like Suguta Valley, Loosuk, Poro, and Angata Nanyukie Wards have suffered greatly. It has also created boundary disputes between Samburu and Tiaty, aimed at expanding territory. It has been used as a pretext for the ongoing violence and tensions. Formed up units are not strategically placed. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}