The Government will take stern action against the perpetrators of cattle rustling in the country, Deputy President William Ruto has said.
Mr Ruto said it was unfortunate while the government is working to develop the areas that were previously marginalized; the primitive practice is eroding all the gains made.
Reacting to insecurity problems being reported along the Kisii-Narok, West Pokot, Baringo and Marakwet borders, the Deputy President wondered why some Kenyans were still engaging in the vice when others were embracing technology to uplift their lives.
“It is unbelievable that some individuals still practice outdated practices that have no room in this 21st century when other Kenyans are embracing education and technology to improve their lives,” said Mr Ruto.
“We will not allow some individuals to return us back when we want to embrace technology and education to catch up with the rest of the people in the world. This is primitive and shameful in this era,” he added.
Speaking at Nyabururu Catholic Parish in Kisii County after the Sunday sermon, the Deputy President said justice must be meted on those behind cattle rustling incidents.
“We are not going to allow cattle thieves to determine how we should live or relate with our neighbours. We will deal with them harshly,” said Ruto.
MPs present included Chris Obure (Kisii), Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache), Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache North), Richard Tongi (Nyaribari Chache), Stephen Manoti (Bobasi), Mary Emase (Teso South), Zebedeo Opore (Bonchari), Hosea Ochwangi (nominated), deputy governor Joash Maangi, former CIC chairman Charles Nyachae.
He asked Kenyans to help security agencies in cracking down the few criminal elements hindering peace efforts in some parts of the country.
He said security personnel alone would not restore law and order in areas hit by cattle rustling activities without the support from members of the public.
“We need to speak out against these outdated vices that continue to hinder development being initiated by the government in such areas by identifying the few criminals amongst us,” said Mr Ruto.
“Napoleon once said: The world suffers a lot, not because of the violence of bad people but because of the silence of majority of good people,” added the deputy president.
He, at the same time, urged the Abagusii residents to support the new Jubilee Party whose aim is to unite Kenyans and fight tribalism.
He said the Jubilee Administration has the interest of all Kenyans at heart.
“I want to ask the Abagusii community to join us in uniting this country. Jubilee is a party that has the matters of the people at heart,” said Mr Ruto.
He told the community the opposition leaders have nothing new to offer Kenyans.
“We are committed to development and unity of Kenyans as demonstrated by our efforts to connect Kenyans to electricity, improve roads, improve access to healthcare, provision of water, construction of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) among others,” said Mr Ruto.
By DPPS.