Baringo County Woman Representative Florence Jematiah has issued a passionate appeal for urgent collective action to tackle the escalating crime wave in the region.

Speaking in an interview with a local TV station on June 5, 2025, Jematiah underscored the shared responsibility between the government and local communities in addressing security challenges.

Jematiah emphasised that criminals and community members alike are well known within the county, stating, “Criminals know each other, and the community knows them; the problem is all of us, from the government to the community.”

This candid observation highlights a deeper societal issue: the reluctance to confront criminals despite widespread awareness.

She argued that the fight against crime extends beyond government initiatives and calls on the community to embrace moral courage. “We cannot continue to live in fear while knowing who is responsible,” she said.

She urged the residents to report and challenge criminal elements actively. According to Jematiah, the success of security efforts hinges on unity and collective responsibility.

She lamented the lack of decisive action from some political leaders, describing it as a barrier to meaningful progress in curbing crime. Jematiah called for stronger political will and better collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community leaders to dismantle entrenched criminal networks.

Her remarks come at a crucial time as Kenya heads towards another election cycle, with security issues dominating voter concerns. Given Baringo’s strategic political importance, the region’s stability remains pivotal in shaping national discourse ahead of the polls.

Jematiah’s call to action reflects a critical perspective on the entrenched nature of banditry in the North Rift region, a problem compounded by the widespread availability of small arms and light weapons.

Reports have it that the ongoing banditry in Baringo and neighbouring counties has caused major disruptions in education, widespread destruction of property, displacement of families, and numerous deaths. Despite several government-led interventions, including joint security deployments, these efforts have yielded limited success, underscoring the complexity of the security challenge.

Way forward

Her message calls for renewed and inclusive efforts to address crime in Baringo. It stresses the necessity of breaking the cycle of fear and silence that allows criminals to operate with impunity. Jematiah’s stance serves as a reminder that security is not solely a government mandate but a shared community responsibility.

As the nation reflects on her words, there is hope that this dialogue will spur effective action and foster collaboration among all stakeholders. The goal is clear: to create a safer environment where communities in Baringo and across Kenya can live free from the shadow of crime and insecurity.