You will be caught, Ruto warns bandits

We will catch and prosecute you. That was Deputy President William Ruto’s warning to cattle thieves during security meeting in Kapenguria on Friday.

Mr Ruto who met with Pokot leaders at the Kapenguria Lutheran Church over insecurity at the county’s border with Turkana, called for calm among feuding members of the two communities, warning that inciters would “face the full force of the law”.

The Deputy President put cattle rustlers and bandits on notice.

Loss of lives

Security agencies had been mobilised to ensure that cattle theft that had resulted in loss of lives would not recur.

“Those who have made cattle rustling their source of income should find something else to do,” he said. Those caught risked long jail terms, he warned.

The meeting was attended by religious leaders, provincial administration officials and political leaders, including Senator John Lonyangapuo and Governor Simon Kachapin.

Mr Ruto asked citizens to assist the government in security efforts through community policing.

In apparent reference to rustling, the Deputy President asked the Pokot and the Turkana to discard outdated cultural practices and engage in farming and other income generating activities.

“These two counties are blessed with rich agricultural soils suitable for farming. It is time we discard reliance on livestock alone and invest in agricultural activities,” he said.

While it was the government’s responsibility to protect citizens, wananchi had a duty to report criminals in their midst, the Deputy President said.

Later, Mr Ruto, accompanied by over 30 MPs, conducted a rally at Kapenguria Stadium where leaders urged the Pokot and the Turkana to resolve their disputes amicably. (KNA)

‘No outsider is going to solve the insecurity problems facing you unless you do so yourselves,’ said Mr. Odera.

The leaders resolved to forge a common agenda in the fight against insecurity occasioned by banditry and cattle rustling activities.

Mr. Ethuro and Mr. Lonyangapuo expressed concern that insecurity problems have retarded the development of the area and called on leaders from the region to spearhead peace efforts.

Earlier, the Deputy President urged the youth to embrace education, good values and discipline in order to realize their dreams.

Mr Ruto said the virtues are important ingredients in the formation of national character among the youth.

The Deputy President asked parents and guardians to play a leading role in moulding the behaviour of their children.

Saying education is the greatest investment that a nation can make in its youth; Mr. Ruto observed that the Government and parents were investing a lot of resources in education to equip the youth with adequate skills.

KNA