Turkana Governor Josphat Koli Nanok has blamed the recent banditry attacks for political reasons, accusing politicians of fueling the attacks to gain political mileage.
This comes after recent attacks that the governor says have led to the injury of eight and theft of 238 heads of livestock since May 4, 2022.
The attacks include the shooting of PSV vehicles along the Lodwar-Kitale highway and raids on Kainuk, Loyapat and Lowoi akwara in Nakwamoru.
Nanok further said, he believe that it is not a coincidence that the frequency of the attacks appears to increase as the general elections approach.
He added thatInsecurity has been used to suppress the participation of the electorate in elections, and as a campaign tool for politicians to mobilise for support by inciting emotions of residents
The governor has also accused the Ministry of Interior and Coordination through the national government administration officers of laxity in protecting the residents, because the attacks continue to take place despite the presence of highly specialised police units in the area. They include the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) in Lobokat Ward, General Service Unit in Nakwamoru and Turkwel Gorge in Kaputir Ward.
Nanok has called on the security agencies to make sure that those involved in the vice are brought to book, from the politicians to the bandits.