North Rift MPs Advocate for Government Fund to Compensate Banditry Attack Victims

A cohort of Members of Parliament hailing from the banditry-plagued North Rift region is advocating for the establishment of a government-backed fund aimed at compensating individuals who suffer losses of life and property due to banditry attacks.

Led by Tiaty MP William Kamket, these representatives expressed discontent with the lack of implementation following President William Ruto’s commitment to compensation.

Kamket articulated their stance, stating, “The government should establish a Fund where money for compensating people who lose lives and property and incur injuries following attacks by bandits would be drawn from.”

Furthermore, the MPs highlighted the financial losses incurred by business owners, including their stock, due to looting by security personnel during operations. They questioned the government’s selective compensation policies, particularly favoring victims of natural disasters while overlooking those affected by banditry.

During a session with the National Assembly Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Committee under the leadership of Hassan Adan Yussuf, the MPs presented proposals aimed at addressing the persistent skirmishes in the bandit-infested North Rift region.

They criticized the exploitation of banditry by senior security officers for personal gain, alleging that funds designated for operations against criminals were being misappropriated. Kamket emphasized the importance of education in combating illiteracy and banditry, proposing a forceful relocation of residents from troubled areas to facilitate access to education.

Support for educational initiatives came from Turkana Women Representative Cecilia Ngitit and Samburu MP Naisula Lesuuda, who highlighted the role of education in combating banditry and its adverse effects on academic progress, particularly evident in the burning of schools by bandits.

Moreover, the MPs decried the government’s perceived lack of commitment to tackling banditry, citing instances of security officers allegedly colluding with criminals and misusing allocated resources. They advocated for legislative measures to safeguard the National Police Reservists Unit and redefine their roles, as well as clearer delineation of constituency and county borders to mitigate conflicts arising from uncontrolled grazing.

In response to these concerns, Yussuf affirmed the committee’s dedication to seeking partnerships with donors and state agencies to fund comprehensive strategies aimed at resolving the root causes of banditry in the region. He praised the MPs for their valuable contributions towards fostering peaceful coexistence and cohesion amidst ongoing conflicts.