The rebuilding of homes razed down by bandits in Laikipia has begun in earnest as calm slowly returns to the county. The construction of buildings to host an expanded police presence in the area was also in high gear on Saturday with the ground breaking of new office structures for the officers. Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i who spent a second consecutive day at Ol Moran kick-started the construction of the base for the newly-formed police division commander. The CS said that he was glad that there was no single incident that was reported in the area in the last 24 hours adding that the government had stepped up its presence in the area. Dr Matiang’I who supervised the distribution of more foodstuffs and building materials to displaced families expressed confidence with measures
undertaken so far to restore calm.
He said the Police Reservists will be deployed to escort teachers and learners in Ol Moran beginning Monday when schools that had closed due to insecurity reopen. The CS who was accompanied by Deputy Inspector of Police (APS) Noor Gabow, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya and Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Murithi said more officers and the two additional police stations will secure residents from incursions by bandits. Governor Muriithi said his administration had committed Sh 20 million to fund the construction of the new police structures which will be a joint project between the National government and the county government. At the Sipili trading center, the CS warned residents flouting the dawn to dusk imposed in the area that they risked being caught up in the ongoing crackdown.