Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has flagged off the first batch of special equipment to support Operation Maliza Uhalifu in North Rift.

Speaking in Nairobi, CS Kindiki emphasised that government was relentless in restoring order and peace in the larger Northern Kenya.

Also present were; Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo, Inspector General of police Japhet Koome, Deputy Inspector-General Douglas Kanja (Kenya Police Service), Deputy Inspector-General Noor Gabow (Administration Police Service), Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin, General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Eliud Lagat among other high-ranking officers.

“The Government remains focused on complete suppression and neutralization of terrorism, banditry, livestock rustling and other organized criminal activities as the sure way of turning around our National Security and putting Kenya on a firm path to equitable development and shared prosperity,” he added.

Kindiki acknowledged that it was vital to equip frontline officers in the operation in order to sustain fight against bandits and cattle rustlers.

Distribution of specialized equipment flagged off to northern region will reportedly be extended to the Northern Grazing Area of Meru County, Isiolo and Marsabit counties and counter-terrorism efforts in North Eastern Region and the Boni Enclave in Lamu County.

The Interior CS revealed that in the last six months, Kenya Kwanza government had invested KSh7.6 billion , and would spend another KSh.29.4 Billion in the next three years to procure special armoury for police officers.

This is reportedly embedded in the Police Equipment Modernisation (PEM) programme in efforts to bolster operations and offer protection to the officers.

Special armoury to be procured include; Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs) ,Armoured Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Drones, Gunship Helicopters, Mine Sweepers and Personal Protection Equipment.

CS Kindiki said the sophisticated equipment will “support the sacrificial and patriotic work of our frontline officers”.