Residents gather along the Kitale-Lodwar Highway to protest insecurity and alleged harassment by security officers.
Turkana South MP Ariko Namoit joins residents demanding protection from attacks and changes to security operations amid allegations of police harassment.
Kitale-Lodwar Highway protests disrupted traffic on Friday, November 6, as Turkana South MP Ariko Namoit joined residents. Demonstrators blocked sections of the road over insecurity and alleged harassment by security officers.
The protests began early in the morning at Kalemng’orok, where residents placed stones and burning tyres on the highway. Protesters also carried placards and chanted slogans as they gathered along the route.
Namoit arrived in Kainuk shortly after 9am as the planned demonstrations got underway. Meanwhile, police deployed in the area amid traffic disruptions and heightened tension.
Kitale-Lodwar Highway protests follow MP’s appeal
The demonstrations followed Namoit’s public notice on Thursday inviting Turkana South and Aroo Sub-County residents to march peacefully in Kainuk. He urged participants to remain disciplined and law-abiding while demanding government protection for their lives and property.
The MP said the protest sought government attention over continued killings, livestock raids and insecurity affecting local communities. He also highlighted the failure to recover stolen livestock and return the animals to their owners.
In addition, Namoit raised concerns about recurring attacks and killings along the highway. He said residents continued to face threats while travelling on the route, and called for equal protection.
Residents challenge security operations
Namoit also accused the Special Operations Group (SOG) of using excessive force during ongoing security operations. Some demonstrators alleged that officers harassed civilians, including women and schoolchildren, and damaged property in Aroo.
The legislator further questioned what he described as selective disarmament, arguing that the exercise disproportionately affected the Turkana community. He urged the government to address residents’ complaints about security operations.
Protesters appealed to President William Ruto to intervene and demanded changes to operations in the area. Their demonstrations come as the government continues disarmament exercises in the region.
In September, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced plans to deploy additional security personnel and equipment. The deployment would cover the Turkana-West Pokot and Turkana-Baringo borders.
Murkomen said the measures aimed to tackle banditry, recover stolen livestock and resolve conflicts over resources.
