By Betty Luke
The government has warned politicians against defending bandits who continue to wreak havoc in Northern Kenya saying those found culpable will be arrested.
Isiolo County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding said the State would dissuade residents against voting in such leaders as they were of no benefit to them.
The administrator singled out an unnamed politician who he accused of inciting the residents to banditry activities while pretending to fight the vice.
“There is an elected leader who is a master of double speak. We know what you are doing and you must stop immediately, failure to which we will have you arrested and prosecuted,” said Mr Omoding.
The official called on residents to surrender illegal firearms they have, warning that those found with the weapons will be ruthlessly dealt with.
“You cannot claim to have quit banditry while you are still keeping illegal arms with you. What will you use them for? Surrender them before the government forcefully picks them,” he added.
Speaking during this year’s Madaraka Day celebration in Isiolo town, Mr Omoding also called on Morans to enrol for technical courses terming it the surest way to completely eradicate banditry in the region.
He said the government was keen on using modern technology to end banditry and terrorism.”We have embarked on using drones for surveillance.
We will trace and deal with them before they strike the villages,” he said adding that the state had procured modern equipment including armored vehicles, including the one stationed in Mlango and Kipsing areas.
Also in attendance at the event was Deputy Governor James Lowasa, Wabera MCA Salesio Kiambi and his Burat and Nominated colleague Nicholas Lorot and Francisco Letimalo and county and national government officers.
