Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift, launched in February 2023, has been a significant government initiative aimed at addressing escalating banditry, cattle rustling, and violence in nine counties within the North Rift region of Kenya. This operation, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), has been instrumental in restoring peace and stability to the region. Over the past year, the operation has yielded substantial results, particularly in reducing cattle rustling incidents and recovering illegal firearms, but it also highlights ongoing challenges and the need for sustained efforts.
Significant Achievements
One of the most noteworthy outcomes of Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift has been the recovery of 172 illegal firearms. These weapons were collected during mop-up exercises across the nine targeted counties Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru. The operation’s multi-agency approach, involving both the police and the military, has been crucial in dismantling bandit hideouts and effectively disarming hundreds of bandits entrenched in the region’s rugged terrain.
Moreover, the operation has led to a significant reduction in cattle rustling cases, which are often the root cause of conflicts and violence in these counties. The Ministry of Interior reported a 62 per cent decrease in cattle rustling occurrences, with cases dropping from 63,054 stolen livestock to 23,668 a decline of 39,386 heads of cattle. This reduction is not only a testament to the effectiveness of the operation but also a significant milestone in restoring normalcy to affected communities.
While the recovery of firearms and the decrease in cattle rustling are significant achievements, the operation is far from complete. It also underscores the complexity and multifaceted nature of the security challenges in the North Rift region. Despite the reduction in cattle rustling incidents, the operation did not entirely eradicate this problem, and localized skirmishes and conflicts continue to occur. This highlights the need for continued vigilance and intervention to prevent a resurgence of violence.
The operation also saw the arrest and prosecution of 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders. These arrests were aimed at curbing the influence of local leaders who have been accused of fuelling violence and banditry in their communities. However, the involvement of political leaders in such crimes illustrates the deep-rooted challenges facing governance in these regions. The operation’s success in removing these figures from the security equation temporarily is a step in the right direction, but ensuring that justice is served and that communities can move beyond the influence of these figures remains crucial.
To complement the security efforts, the government has also taken steps to enhance local governance in the North Rift. The gazetting of 126 new administrative units across affected counties aims to strengthen local administration, improve resource allocation, and enable a more effective response to security challenges. The restructuring of the management and command of National Police Reservists is another important initiative. In 2023, 1,702 reservists were recruited and trained, and 400 in Elgeyo Marakwet and Isiolo were re-armed to supplement the ongoing security operations. This restructuring is intended to provide localized security solutions and ensure that communities have the support they need to recover and thrive.
The education sector has also seen positive developments as a result of Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift. The operation facilitated the reopening of 26 schools and the renovation of 21 others. Baringo County, which was the hardest hit by banditry-related violence, benefited the most from these efforts. A budget of Sh100 million was allocated to rehabilitate schools that were closed due to insecurity, allowing thousands of students to return to learning without disruption. This effort was supported by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), which played a crucial role in reconstructing infrastructure and restoring access to education.
While Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift has brought significant improvements to the security and stability of the North Rift region, the journey to lasting peace is far from over. The government recognizes that more work needs to be done to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, limited economic opportunities, and inadequate infrastructure. As the operation continues, there will be a focus on deepening community engagement and ensuring that local voices are heard in security planning and implementation.
The ongoing success of Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift depends on the continued collaboration between the NPS, KDF, local administration, and communities. Strengthening local security measures, such as the newly gazetted administrative units and the restructured National Police Reservists, will be key to maintaining the gains achieved thus far. Moreover, as the security situation improves, there needs to be a focus on sustainable development initiatives that address the socio-economic disparities in the North Rift region.
In conclusion, Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift has been a crucial step towards restoring peace and stability in the North Rift region of Kenya. The operation’s success in recovering illegal firearms, reducing cattle rustling incidents, and reopening schools demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing security challenges. However, it is clear that the journey to lasting peace is ongoing, and sustained efforts will be needed to build on these achievements for a secure and prosperous North Rift.
