Speaker Wetang'ula calls for setting up of special security centre in Baragoi

By Peter Ochieng

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Masika Wetang'ula now wants the government to set up a special unit security centre in Baragoi, to deal with cases of insecurity in Samburu county.

Addressing faithful at Maralal Catholic Cathedral on Sunday, while presiding over a fundraiser in aid of a modern health centre being constructed by the church, Wetang'ula said security officers must be permanently deployed in Baragoi to deal with the cattle rustling menace, that has left a string of deaths, besides witnessing hundreds of cattle being stolen.

"The government has stepped up efforts to deal with cattle rustling in several parts of Rift Valley by setting up special unit centres for security officers. The same should be done here in Baragoi," said Wetang'ula.

The Speaker assured Samburu residents that the government is committed to eradicating cattle rustling, to restore long lasting peace in the area.

"Cattle rustling is no longer a culture issue, it is business by evil plotters. It has turned into a criminal enterprise and must be wiped out."

"Security matters are not a government reserve. You have a role to play in helping the government get rid of perpetrators of criminal activities such as cattle rustling because you know them," he told residents.

Speaker Wetang'ula noted that access to medical care is a constitutional requirement, insisting that the government supports organisations that own hospitals that provide services to the public.

"I was invited to support the construction of the health centre through a Harambee by the County MP Pauline Lenguris and I accepted because the project upon completion will supplement efforts by the government to ensure access to medical care by the majority, especially in rural areas," he said.

The meeting was attended by various leaders, including Martin Pepela Wanyonyi (Member of Parliament Webuye East), Joseph Makilap (Baringo North), Victor Bwire (Taveta), Letipila Eli (Samburu North), and other county leaders.