National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has issued a passionate appeal to Members of Parliament from Baringo County, urging them to take a hands-on approach in addressing the insecurity crisis plaguing the region.
Speaking during a House session, Wetangula called upon MPs Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), William Makilap (Baringo North), William Kamket (Tiaty), Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), Richard Chematia (Baringo South), Joshua Kiptoo (Baringo Central), and Charles Kamuren (Baringo East) to use the current parliamentary recess to reconnect with their constituents, especially the youth, many of whom have been implicated in banditry and illegal firearm possession.
“Go around your county and talk to those young people. Encourage them to stop wielding illegal firearms,” Wetang’ula implored, highlighting the crucial role that community leadership can play in fostering peace. He emphasized that it is often these very youth who elect the MPs and serve as their mobilizers during political campaigns.
The Speaker’s remarks come against a backdrop of ongoing insecurity in Baringo, a region often rocked by cattle rustling and ethnic conflicts. Wetang’ula stressed that local leaders, being both accessible to and respected by the community, are better placed than external security forces to de-escalate tensions and promote reconciliation.
He made a special appeal to Reuben Kiborek, the youngest MP among the group, noting, “Some of those young men are your age, Kiborek, and I’m sure you can use your magic as a youth to get to them and talk to them.”
In a pointed challenge to the lawmakers, Wetangula urged them not to rely solely on national police or military deployments to solve problems in their constituencies. “Don’t wait for police officers from Nairobi to come solve your problems; be the solution your people need,” he said.
His message underscores the importance of grassroots interventions and the responsibility of elected leaders to serve not just in the chambers of Parliament but in the heart of their communities.
