Bandit attacks: North Rift MPs propose victims compensation fund

Led by Tiaty MP William Kamket, the leaders expressed frustration that President William Ruto's promise of compensation has not materialised.

Parliamentarians from the North Rift region, which is plagued by bandit attacks, want the government to set up a fund to compensate victims for deaths and property damage.

Led by Tiaty MP William Kamket, the leaders expressed frustration that President William Ruto's promise of compensation has not materialised. They also questioned why the government compensates victims of natural disasters like floods and fires but not those affected by banditry.

The MPs further alleged that business owners have suffered losses due to looting by security officers during operations. They claimed senior security officers are profiting from banditry, using it to earn millions of shillings in allowances.

During a meeting with the National Assembly Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Committee, the MPs also proposed measures to resolve the ongoing skirmishes in the region.

Kamket suggested that the government forcibly relocate residents from the troubled area to access education, eradicating illiteracy and banditry.

Turkana Woman Representative Cecilia Ngitit and Samburu MP Naisula Lesuuda supported this proposal, emphasising the impact of education on combating banditry.

However, Marakwet East MP Bowen Kagogo expressed scepticism about the government's commitment to fighting banditry, citing instances of security officers selling bullets to criminals.

Baringo Woman Representative Sergon Jemitia criticised the deployment of inexperienced officers to the area, leading to situations where the community rescues them from bandits.

The MPs also called for legislation to safeguard National Police Reservists (NPRs), reform the unit, define their roles, and enhance their training. They also suggested the creation of a ministry focused on issues unique to the North Rift, akin to Uganda's Ministry of Karamoja Affairs.

The meeting also suggested regulating firearms by issuing G3 guns to government security officers and NPRs to distinguish them from illegal gun owners. A clear definition of constituency and county borders was also recommended to prevent conflicts due to uncontrolled grazing.

Committee chair Hassan Adan Yussuf acknowledged the MPs' input and expressed its willingness to partner with donors and state agencies to fund strategies for lasting solutions to banditry in the region.