BARINGO,Kenya, Mar, 30 – “It is shocking that people can not come out of their homes, what will the government do? As we are talking three of our brothers have been confirmed dead, two are in the hospital.”
A tragic statement, tough not doubt to even mutter for Paul Kipyemat who work up Wednesday morning to sad news that his village in Tandar, Mochongoi, Baringo county was raided by suspected bandits as three people were killed.
During the morning attack, bandits are said to have descended on the area as close to 20 young men had just embarked on their usual routine of grazing their livestock.
During the attack, two other people are are said to have sustained gunshot injuries. Some however residents say, can not be accounted for as they fled the ‘war zone’.
“My appeal to the government,..where is the operation that you were talking about? what was the kind of operation that you were promising the people of Baringo South, that you were going to flush out bandits? posed Kipyemat.
The injured were hours after the incident quickly rushed to Baringo County Referral Hospital where they are said to be in stable condition.
Baringo County Commissioner Abdirisack Jaldesa confirmed the attack and said that some people sustained injuries and even rushed to hospitals in Baringo and Laikipia.
He however initially denied that people had been killed.
“Our plan to return people to their homes is still on course, just a few area is remaining where bandits might be hiding there. NPR and security are conducting patrols in the area.” said Jaleesa.
“My brother was shot in the morning when they were patrolling the area. 3were killed, 2 injured. It has been tough for us, our cries have gone unanswered. We are even shocked when police say no one was killed, they should tells us where they are..we saw dead people,” said Samuel Nyongi, brother to one of the injured.
The residents continue to fault the government for neglecting them saying that despite promises of massive security operation, terror is repeatedly unleashed on them.
In which hands are we?…this is the most irresponsible hands of government ever to be seen since independence. I regret why we I am even in this government, it is too painful,” said Kipyemat who further said that,If for real we are Kenyans I do not think the number of those dead can allow us to keep quite while our people are dying day by day. Even as we speak they (bandits) are all over the bushes in Baringo South.
Earlier this month, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi announced a security operation in Baringo saying that a contingent of security officers would be deployed in Muchongoi area to evict, invaders.
Matiang’i said that the operation would be ruthless as government employs maximum available power including aerial operations.
He said there will be recruitment of National Police Reservists in affected area to beef up security.
“This is the only way we can address the menace that has become worse daily and we urge for cooperation,” he said.
The CS made the announcement after meeting leaders from Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and West Pokot Counties in Nakuru.
The CS who was accompanied by top security officials said an Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) would be deployed to Chesogon in West Pokot County.
Also the deployment of five police platoons to beef up security between the borders of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties was announced.
He also ordered for immediate arrest leaders mobilizing and funding bandits in affected areas.
“Arrest of these people will be extended to cultural leaders administering oaths to ‘bless’ bandit and other invasion missions.”
There were claims some elders have been blessing those headed for ‘rustling missions.’
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