Police Contingent Deployed To Baringo Following Killing Of 8 By Bandits

BARINGO,Kenya, Feb, 28 – A contingent of police officers has been deployed to Tiaty area of Baringo county after eight people among them two minors were killed by suspected bandits on Saturday afternoon at Siromet grazing fields in Chesongoch along the West Pokot-Elgeyo Marakwet border.

According to preliminary reports, the eight had taken their livestock to graze when they were ambushed by suspected bandits and killed at around 4pm.

The herders are said to have come from Kipnai and Loiwat areas in search of the valuable resource for their livestock.

Residents say that the Kerio river is he only source water for their livestock and as a result it has been the cause of many violent attacks on innocent civilians with many cases being fatal.

“We only have one river called Kerio one side is Marakwet other side is Pokot…now when we take our animals to graze where their is water also we are attacked. What are we supposed to do?” used an area resident.

“All water is on that side in Kerio…no other place,we have now become afraid…children are afraid to go to school..we are now staying at home fearing for our lives,” said another resident.

Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Mohammed Maalim condemned the attacks and assured residents of their security amidst increased patrolsin the area.

Police say that four barista were killed while three others who sustained injuries are being interrogated.

Early February the government resolved to launch a full scale security operation in Mochongoi area of Baringo county following weeks of violent attacks perpetrated by suspected bandits.

As part of the directive announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i, the deployment of a multi-agency security team consisting of ground and air surveillance units will also see the immediate recruitment of National Police Reservists in affected area as es part of efforts to complement operations.

Also, an Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) will be deployed to Chesogon in West Pokot County while five police platoons expected to beef up security between the borders of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties will also be deployed.

Invaders in the affected areas of Baringo South will also be evicted with Matiang’i saying no one will be spared.