Citizen TV, editorial director, Linus Kaikai implored President William Ruto to embrace the economic and social entity approach to eliminate banditry in the North Rift region.

Besides using National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Kaikai indicated that integrating the North Rift region was among the long-term tactics the government can adopt. 

During the News Gang segment on Thursday, March 2, the veteran reporter challenged President Ruto's administration to improve access to education in the region. 

Construction of roads, railways and airports, he added, would also play a critical role in securing the head of state's legacy. 

Royal Media Services (RMS) Group Editorial Director Linus Kaikai addresses the audience during the launch of the report on The State of Press Freedom in Kenya on February 21, 2023. TWITTER  KUJ KENYA

"Kenyans must find a formula to making the country one geographic, economic and social entity again. The north should be integrated with the rest of Kenya through a network of roads, railways and even airports as conceived in the Lapset corridor project," Kaikai stated. 

"It is not enough to deploy security personnel and military equipment on northbound convoys from ‘down Kenya.’ It is time to address their 'Kenyan-ness' question too," he insisted.

Defending his comments, Kaikai insisted that it was integral for the government to integrate empowerment initiatives before the operation starts.

"That security operation, is yet to begin, according to sources, and what has instead been witnessed so far is the mobilisation of both personnel and equipment, meaning the operation is still in the logistics phase," he stated.

His sentiments aligned with demands issued by local leaders regarding the government's push to address banditry.

Turkana Central MP Joseph Namuar had asked the government to initiate projects to integrate the warring communities.

Namuar lamented that underdevelopment had contributed to conflict due to limited resources. 

"As they are conducting operations, let them also build roads, hospitals, and schools in places that are insecure," Namuar stated.

Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai added that the operation without community empowerment had affected the region. They, however, called on the government to set up a military base in the region.

Kenya Air Force flight crew during a survival exercise in Kajiado County on February 18, 2023. TWITTER  KENYA DEFENCE FORCES, By Geoffrey Luta, Kenyans.co.ke