Bandits in the counties of Samburu, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, and Laikipia have opened the door for engagements with the government and the opposition leaders in what signaled a major step for a possible truce between the three warring sides.
In a statement after routing the police from a bandit station in West Pokot, one resident bandit said that the banditry economy can no longer sustain continued hostilities between the security forces and the bandits, hence a need for tripartisan talks to resolve the stalemate.
“For the interest of the security forces, bandits, and the aggrieved cattle owners, we want to propose a tripartisan approach that will lead to a sustainable solution.”
Bandits want President William Ruto and opposition lead Raila Odinga to first solve their pressing issues before the three parties can dialogue. Top on their agenda includes a cessation of all hostilities against the bandits in parts of Rift Valley, a tolerance on cattle rustling in the same way the government tolerates corruption, and for the security forces to surrender all their weapons to the bandits.
“When we engage in a tripartisan approach it is not a game of arrows it is a game of bullets and how we put our guns in a manner that carries not one side but all sides is the essence of a tripartisan approach,” said the chief bandit.
The government and the opposition are too scared to respond.
