IG Koome Touches Down in Baringo County Days After Resignation Pressure
Three days following Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot’s urging for Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to step down unless he visits conflict zones, the IG has initiated a journey to the North Rift and other regions susceptible to banditry.
On April 3rd, IG Koome traveled to Baringo to evaluate the efforts of law enforcement officers in addressing banditry.
During his tour, the Inspector General of Police also paid a visit to officers of the National Police Service who were participating in the Training of Trainers (TOT) program.
While on his tour, IG Koome evaluated Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a collaborative effort between the military and police aimed at tackling cattle theft and banditry in the North Rift Region.
The visit to Baringo County for duty occurred following a significant security gathering conducted by the Inspector General (IG) with officers at both Kabarnet County Police Headquarters and Chemolingot Joint Operation Centre.
In the security gathering, IG Koome emphasized that the Ministry of Interior remains steadfast in its stance that banditry will be addressed with the same severity as terrorism and will be handled with firmness.
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Although facing allegations from certain members of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Koome emphasized that he was actively implementing plans to tackle security challenges in regions prone to conflict.
He emphasized that in his efforts to eradicate banditry, he had recently traveled to Meru, Turkana, and Baringo Counties.
“The IG lauded the Officers in TOT for their commitment to duty, patriotism to the Country and selfless service under some of the most challenging circumstances,” a statement from the National Police Service (NPS) quoted the top cop.
In March 2024, the National Park Service (NPS) sent out state-of-the-art equipment, such as Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, to be utilized by Formed Police Units in operational regions.
Senator Cheruiyot criticized IG Koome for remaining silent while residents in the North Rift region continued to face terror from bandits.
“Tell IG Koome to get out of Jogoo House, and go to Kerio Valley where our brothers and sisters are being murdered every day. If he is overwhelmed by the job, let him resign we bring new people who can ensure our people are safe,” the Kericho Senator had stated.
IG Koome Touches Down in Baringo County Days After Resignation Pressure