Security Operation Intensified In Baringo Following Killing By Suspected Bandits

BARINGO,Kenya, Jan, 9 – A multi-agency operation has been intensified in Kisumet area of Baringo county following the killing of a man on Friday evening by suspected bandits.

According to preliminary investigations, the deceased, Kipkenei Kimurio, was shot dead by heavily armed bandits who stormed his home just as he was having his supper.

The incident occurred at around 8pm.

The incident has since seen residents flee their homes in fear of their lives despite assurances by security agencies that the perpetrators will be apprehended and presented in court in order to pay for their actions.

“its like we have no government protecting us, we need to be protected. I urge Natembeya to visit this area and see how people are suffering. More police need to be brought to this area so that we can live in our homes even for three days,” said Peter Loten, brother to deceased.

The incident comes just a week after yet another person by shot dead by bandits in Chesongoch while a police officer was also killed in Chepkesin.

“Every now and then we are called to bury people, not because they died of illnesses but because they were killed. Even for us pastors it is becoming stressful because we feel we may not continue serving this area because almost every day we are called to officiate the death of someone,” said Rev. John Yator.

During the Friday night attack, several livestock were also stolen.

Earlier his week, the country’s security apparatus raised concerns over the increased cases of insecurity in parts of Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet county.

The flareup of violence according to security agencies has seen several people being displaced in Kinyach area of  Baringo North and areas of Arror, Kapkobil and Tot in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

According to preliminary reports, three people sustained gunshot injuries and are currently hospitalised in health facilities in Kapsowar during the attacks that also saw 60 heads of cattle stolen.

Rift valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya has since directed that a forceful disarmament exercise be conducted in the area.

“I here these criminals have now formed WhatsApp groups and use it to plan raids. These are thieves. We have meanwhile resolved to conduct forceful disarmament, voluntary disarmament is no longer working. We will now deploy officers to those affected areas,” said Natembeya.

The Regional Commissioner said that security agencies already have information on who is in possession of illegal firearms warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.