Security Chiefs Convene in Isiolo to Review Anti-Banditry Efforts in Eastern Rift Valley Regions
Top security chiefs from the Eastern Rift Valley region have convened a high-level meeting in Isiolo to review and strategize on the ongoing anti-banditry efforts. The meeting brought together Regional and County Commissioners, Police Commanders, and military officials from counties including Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, and Meru. The forum aimed to assess the progress of current operations and devise a unified approach to eradicate the menace of cattle rustling and armed violence.
The security managers acknowledged the gains made but emphasized that more needs to be done to achieve lasting peace. Key agenda items included enhancing intelligence sharing across county borders, coordinating joint patrols, and accelerating the disarmament process in the vast and rugged terrain. The deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in support of police operations was also reviewed.
The chiefs resolved to intensify the multi-agency operations, focusing on dismantling the financial networks and sponsors of the bandits. They also stressed the importance of complementary non-kinetic approaches, such as peace building and development initiatives, to address the root causes of the conflict. The meeting concluded with a firm commitment to sustain the pressure on bandits until total peace is restored in the region.