President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to residents in Narok County, calling on those in possession of firearms to surrender them to authorities as part of the government’s effort to restore peace in the region.
The directive came during the Baringo Cultural Festival and Kimalel Goat Auction on Monday, December 22, 2025, shortly after Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot requested the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to the violence-stricken areas.
“These people have to return the guns to the police. If they don't, they will face it,” President Ruto stated firmly, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance approach to criminal activity. He added,
“These people have to return the guns to the police. If they don't, they will face it,” President Ruto stated firmly, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance approach to criminal activity. He added,
“We must stop criminals, terrorists, and all others who are infringing on the peace and security of other citizens. And we are not begging.”
The President’s remarks were prompted by renewed clashes in Angata Barikoi, Trans Mara, at the Narok border, which have left at least seven people dead.
The President’s remarks were prompted by renewed clashes in Angata Barikoi, Trans Mara, at the Narok border, which have left at least seven people dead.
The violence has been characterized by inter-community skirmishes, destruction of property, and displacement of residents.
Many homes and food stores have been burned, with children, women, and persons with disabilities bearing the brunt of the attacks, according to the Kenya Red Cross Society.
In response to the escalating insecurity, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a special gazette designating Trans Mara West and Trans Mara South constituencies, along with several other areas in Narok County, as security-disturbed and dangerous for a period of 30 days.
In response to the escalating insecurity, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a special gazette designating Trans Mara West and Trans Mara South constituencies, along with several other areas in Narok County, as security-disturbed and dangerous for a period of 30 days.
Among the affected areas are Kilgoris, Ang’ata Barrikoi, Lolgorian town, Mogondo, Keyian, Kirindon, Olderkesi, Nkararo, and Kapsasian.
The government has significantly reinforced security in these regions, deploying additional officers to maintain order and protect residents.
The government has significantly reinforced security in these regions, deploying additional officers to maintain order and protect residents.
A dusk-to-dawn curfew has also been imposed, as announced by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat on December 20, in a bid to curb further violence.
During the festival, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot appealed to President Ruto to deploy special forces to Angata Barikoi, highlighting that the same bandits who previously attacked Baringo County were now causing havoc in Narok.
During the festival, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot appealed to President Ruto to deploy special forces to Angata Barikoi, highlighting that the same bandits who previously attacked Baringo County were now causing havoc in Narok.
“I have heard that there are special forces who deal with bandits; the same bandits who were in Baringo have now gone to Angata Barikoi. Please send the special forces to deal with the bandits there,” Cheruiyot said.
Authorities have already taken decisive action, arresting a local Member of County Assembly (MCA) and another individual for their alleged involvement in the clashes.
Authorities have already taken decisive action, arresting a local Member of County Assembly (MCA) and another individual for their alleged involvement in the clashes.
The arrests reflect the government’s determination to hold perpetrators accountable and deter further lawlessness.
President Ruto’s directive aligns with a broader national strategy to enhance security and stability in regions affected by banditry and communal violence. It underscores the importance of collaboration between communities, law enforcement agencies, and government leadership in addressing security challenges.
The Baringo Cultural Festival and Kimalel Goat Auction, while primarily a cultural and economic event, became an important platform for the President to address pressing national security concerns. His firm stance signals to both residents and perpetrators that the government is committed to restoring peace and ensuring that communities can engage in productive activities without fear.
As the government continues its efforts, residents of Narok County are urged to cooperate with security agencies, surrender illegal weapons, and support initiatives aimed at fostering peace. The combination of legal enforcement, community engagement, and strategic deployment of security forces is expected to mitigate further violence and promote stability in the region.
The ongoing interventions in Narok County serve as a reminder that maintaining law and order requires both decisive leadership and active citizen participation. President Ruto’s statements reflect a strong commitment to protecting citizens and ensuring that justice is enforced against those who threaten national peace and security.
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President Ruto’s directive aligns with a broader national strategy to enhance security and stability in regions affected by banditry and communal violence. It underscores the importance of collaboration between communities, law enforcement agencies, and government leadership in addressing security challenges.
The Baringo Cultural Festival and Kimalel Goat Auction, while primarily a cultural and economic event, became an important platform for the President to address pressing national security concerns. His firm stance signals to both residents and perpetrators that the government is committed to restoring peace and ensuring that communities can engage in productive activities without fear.
As the government continues its efforts, residents of Narok County are urged to cooperate with security agencies, surrender illegal weapons, and support initiatives aimed at fostering peace. The combination of legal enforcement, community engagement, and strategic deployment of security forces is expected to mitigate further violence and promote stability in the region.
The ongoing interventions in Narok County serve as a reminder that maintaining law and order requires both decisive leadership and active citizen participation. President Ruto’s statements reflect a strong commitment to protecting citizens and ensuring that justice is enforced against those who threaten national peace and security.
Word count: 600
If you want, I can also create a shorter, 200-word online-friendly version focusing on the main directives, violence impact, and security measures for fast reading. Do you want me to do that?
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