Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers and police commanders convened a high-level security meeting in Baringo County in response to the growing insecurity in the North Rift region.
The meeting came just days after the tragic shooting of Catholic priest Father Alloyce Cheruiyot Bett in Elgeyo Marakwet.
The strategic meeting, held at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) sub-centre in Marigat, was chaired by Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Mohamed. It brought together senior security officials, including members of the Baringo County Security and Intelligence Committee, KDF officers, and commanders under Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU).
The forum focused on evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing security operations and enhancing coordinated efforts to tackle persistent threats like banditry and cattle rustling. Discussions centered around improving inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-sharing, and rapid response mechanisms.
Major Felix Makenzi, speaking on behalf of OMU Commander Brigadier Joel Arimi, called on sub-county security teams to conduct regular, localized meetings to address insecurity at the grassroots level.
Dr. Abdi Mohamed also encouraged security units to adopt modern technologies like drone surveillance, real-time data integration, and secure digital communications to improve intelligence gathering and operational efficiency.
The renewed security push follows the chilling murder of Father Bett in the Tot area of Kerio Valley. Witnesses say the priest was ambushed shortly after concluding a Small Christian Community (Jumuiya) mass in Kakbiken village. Assailants fired four bullets—three missed their targets, but one struck the priest in the neck, killing him instantly.
The incident has reignited urgent calls for reinforced security interventions in the volatile North Rift.
