Security forces have bombed a bandits 'hideout' in Tandare valley, Baringo County. Locals near the valley say the attack happened at 6am.
Earlier this week, the government deployed more troops and hreavier artilley amid an expected air and land operation to smoke the criminals out of their hiding places.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced on Sunday the start of the second phase of the operation in the security-troubled Kenyan North.
The CS also named areas considered crime scenes harbouring bandits and ordered law-abiding citizens to vacate immediately.
Following the CS’s order, troops have been arriving in the hotspot areas in Baringo, Samburu, Turkana, West Pokot, Laikipia, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, declared by the government as dangerous and disturbed.
IN OTHER NEWS:
-ENOUGH IS ENOUGH,RUTO SENDS STERN WARNING TO RAILA OVER MASS ACTION
Additional troops have since Monday been arriving in the target areas, accompanying an assortment of artillery, signaling preparedness to begin tackling the criminal elements wreaking havoc in the region.
The bombing comes just days after President Dr William Ruto sent a stern warning to murderous bandits who have been a menace in various parts of North Rift and northern Kenya.
Speaking at the Lanet Military Academy in Nakuru County where he presided over the commissioning parade of General Service Officer cadets and graduate officers, the head of state warned that the State would not relent until security is restored in the affected areas.
Dr Ruto warned that the government will deal with the criminals accordingly if they continue killing, maiming, stealing livestock and causing mayhem in the regions.
"I am absolutely confident that we can rely on the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and our security system to secure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kenya. We will be decisive in eliminating banditry and neutralise every bandit who defies the government and attempts any illegal or criminal act," President Ruto warned.
"Every bandit must be brought to book, every illegal gun surrendered willingly or by force. And every child must go back to school," the Head of State further stated.
Dr Ruto said the government will not allow bandits to threaten the country’s peace and security.
He said it was unfortunate that for many generations, parts of Kenya have been besieged by armed bandits who have killed and displaced thousands of innocent citizens with impunity.
"As of banditry activities, families have been displaced and impoverished, the provision of public services disrupted, a whole generation of children have missed school and development held back as the rest of the country moves forward," Dr Ruto noted.
"The fundamental rights and freedoms under Articles 26, 28 and 29, particularly of life, dignity, freedom and security of affected people have been violated consistently without redress. The dangerously misguided idea that people can acquire illegal guns mobilise to commit murder, robbery, violence and other criminal acts and in the process displace, torment and cause suffering and insecurity to peaceful communities must and will come to an end," warned President Ruto.
