At least 25 suspected rogue National Police Reservists (NPRs) from various counties have been arrested or dismissed over the past two years in the volatile Kerio Valley. The Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary has emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability among NPRs and rooting out those misusing their positions.
The Cabinet Secretary declared a ban on political involvement in the recruitment of NPRs. He urged local communities to take an active role in the process in collaboration with sub-county security committee teams. According to the CS, past practices where politicians handpicked NPRs without due diligence have ended. Moving forward, all potential recruits will undergo background checks by intelligence teams before clearance.
As part of these efforts, the Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) team, based in Chemolingot, Baringo County, has intensified security operations in the region. These have led to the recovery of 17,000 stolen livestock, the seizure of 200 firearms, and the arrest of more than 200 suspects involved in criminal activities in the Kerio Valley.
The CS outlined a new accountability framework for NPRs, including mandatory reporting to their local Officer Commanding Station (OCS). NPRs will be prohibited from turning off their phones and will be subject to immediate headcounts during security incidents. These measures are aimed at ensuring that the reservists are responsive and traceable at all times.
He stressed that only qualified individuals will be recruited and trained. “We don’t want to train militias,” he stated, warning that any NPRs found to be engaging in criminal activities will face the full force of the law. The government, having trained and armed them, considers NPRs part of the official police service. As such, those who turn rogue will be treated as top-priority criminals and remain under surveillance even after dismissal.
During a security meeting held at Kambi Samaki in Baringo County, the CS condemned individuals who exploit insecurity for personal or political gain, warning that firm action will be taken against them. He highlighted the irony that many of the individuals involved in conflicts are often closely related, even married, yet contribute to ongoing violence.
The security gathering brought together regional and sub-county security teams from across the Rift Valley, including representatives from Marigat, Baringo North, Mukutani, Tiaty Central, and Tiaty East. The session served as a platform to assess progress and strategize on continued efforts to stabilize the region.
The CS commended the work of security personnel under the OMU operation, stating that the return of economic activity to previously troubled areas is a testament to the success of the initiative. He also underscored the importance of the ongoing vetting process for NPRs, which aims to eliminate ghost officers and remove untrustworthy elements from the system.
In addition to enforcement actions, the government has embarked on broader reforms targeting the NPR system. These include a nationwide re-vetting exercise, fresh training programs, the introduction of a clearer command structure, and improvements in NPR welfare, such as enhanced stipends and access to medical coverage.
The CS concluded by calling for continued collaboration between local leadership, security agencies, and communities to support reconciliation efforts and help resolve long-standing conflicts in the region.
