Extended Kapedo curfew lifted, CS Matiangi says 53 firearms recovered

Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has lifted the 30-day extended Kapedo curfew saying the operation to restore peace and normalcy has been successful.

The curfew that ran from 6.00pm to 6.00 am had been imposed in January following recurrent incursions and rising tension along the Baringo-Turkana border.

“We shall however retain the 10.00 pm to 4.00 am nationwide curfew in line with the Presidential directives on the revised COVID-19 containment measures. Road blocks within Kapedo area will be retained but humanitarian assistance shall be facilitated by security officers to ensure that it reaches the targeted beneficiaries,” Dr. Matiang’i said on Monday.

According to the Interior CS, 53 firearms were recovered through the combined efforts of security teams; chiefs, peace committees, inter-faith groups and elders in what he termed as ‘high level engagements’ with the illegal firearm holders.

In a statement to newsrooms, Dr. Matiang’i said cattle rustling, banditry and general lawlessness had been brought under control with learning, and other socio-economic activities resuming.

A collaborative partnership by various State and Non-State agencies, including the National and County Governments, Private Sector and Civil Society has contributed largely to return to the relative normalcy in the region,” he said.

The CS acknowledged support from the County Governments of Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo and Samburu saying their peace initiatives, particularly that of Prof. John Lonyang’apuo, are models that should be emulated in the neighboring regions.

He warned that security teams would not relent but rather step up vigilance and patrols to ensure that the security situation does not slip back to what it was before.

“As the area remains under close surveillance, I wish to reiterate that the Government will not hesitate to re-impose curfew measures should there be any further escalation of tensions,” he added.