Victims Of Bandit Attack In Elgeyo Marakwet Buried As Residents Accuse Gov’t Of ‘Failing’ To Protect Them

ELGEYO MARAKWET,Kenya, Mar, 27 – Two people that were killed in last week’s bandit attack in Koitilial area in Marakwet West have been laid to rest as religious and political leaders call on the government to enhance security in the area.

Seven others meanwhile sustained gunshot injuries during the attack that saw bandits drive way with more than 600 livestock.

Edwin Chelimo was among others who were herding their livestock before he met his death despite inti9al attempts to escape and save his life.

Leaders present during the funeral condemned Interior cabinet secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i,accusing him of failing to address the insecurity in the Kerio Valley.

Matiag’i should go home, what has he done here? People are killed here and the bullets belong to government. Let us stay here without a minister and go to sate house and protest.” said Francis Mutuol,veteran MP.

According to residents in the last one month at least 18 people have been shot dead in the area.

According to preliminary reports, the unknown assailants are said to have descended on the area after crossing over from neighbouring Baringo county.

In February Matiang’i during a meeting with leaders from Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and West Pokot County said that the government would launch an Immediate operation to evict invaders in Muchongoi area of Baringo South in Baringo County.

The CS said the deployment of security agents for the operation will be ruthless and will employ maximum available power including aerial operations.

He said there will be recruitment of National Police Reservists in affected area to beef up security.

“Each and everyday we bury a soul because of bandits, we do not know how powerful these people are, Mr president tell us if these people are powerful than the government,” said Caroline Ngelechei, resident Elgeyo Marakwet.