Bishop calls for long term solution to banditry in North Rift
Rift Valley
By
Peter Ochieng
| Jan 07, 2024
Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop Dominic Kimengich has urged President William Ruto to intervene and end the persistent banditry ravaging the North Rift region.
Addressing the media after presiding over a diaconate ordination ceremony, Bishop Kimengich expressed concern over the loss of lives and property through bandit attacks.
He urged President Ruto to implement a comprehensive strategy to restore peace and security in the region.
"This continued loss of innocent lives and property cannot be tolerated. The government must implement long-term measures, not just temporary fixes, to restore peace and hope in this troubled region," the Bishop said.
This comes after the brutal killing of three peace ambassadors from Kerio Valley on Friday, by suspected bandits.
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The assailants attacked and killed Joseph Suter, Patrick Komen and Eliud Kipkeu, who were on their way to Baringo County to retrieve stolen livestock.
While condemning the killings, Kimengich implored the government to tighten security and take action without bias.
He expressed disappointment over the continued banditry attacks despite Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki's earlier assurance of security in the region.
"Despite security personnel and even military presence, killings and displacements persist," he said.
"The government needs to take full control of the situation before anyone considers sending their children back to school in these unsafe areas," he added.
Bishop Kimengich also called upon the faithful to actively promote peace, reminding them of their role as agents of God responsible for resolving conflict, not inciting it.
He condoled with the families of the slain peacemakers, recognizing their sacrifice in attempting to bridge the divide between Marakwet and Pokot communities.
"The death of the three peace crusaders will not go unnoticed. They were trying to bring peace and foster unity between members of the Marakwet and Pokot communities," he said, adding that as a church, they will intensify peacebuilding along the border.
At the same time, the bishop urged politicians to respect the rule of law and refrain from interfering with the judicial system.
"As a church, we are deeply troubled by the ongoing criticism of the judiciary," he said.
"Our courts must be allowed to dispense justice freely and fairly."