Emotions ran high at banditry victim burial

When he left his home at Kapkomon village in the banditry-prone Baringo North Sub-County on March 14 to herd his goats some kilometres away, Laban Kipkiror Kakuko, 38, was upbeat about returning back to his family.

But little did his family know that was the last time they would see him alive after armed bandits who later raided the village shot him dead as his 10-year-old son watched before making away with his 30 goats.

Many other villagers sustained injuries and lost hundreds of livestock during the daring daylight attack with the death-bringing to five the number of people killed in the area in a week alone.

A sombre mood engulfed the village during Kakuko’s burial yesterday with his family yet to come to terms with the loss, which robbed them of a breadwinner. His son is still disturbed after witnessing his father shot in cold blood.

Mourners decried rampant cases of insecurity in the region despite the ongoing security operation involving the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Kenya Police.

Lincoln Too, a resident, said locals were fearing for their lives despite continued assurances by the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“It appears the government has never been serious in fixing insecurity in this region. Any attempt has remained very cosmetic and short-term. Too much public relations stunts but nothing to show on the ground,” said Too.

Victim compensation

Baringo Woman Representative Florence Jematiah who attended the burial said that she will move a bill in Parliament to ensure that all victims of insecurity are compensated.

“Many of our people have been reduced to paupers after all their livestock, which was their major source of livelihood, were driven away by armed criminals. As a mother, my heart bleeds for the young soul left fatherless at such a tender age,” said Ms Jematiah.

“It is harder to even to imagine the pain and agony the young family and relatives will go through trying to explain to the young boy what happened to his late father,” added the legislator.

Not achieved

The MP faulted the ongoing security operation in the area, which she noted has not achieved much despite the deployment of KDF as deadly raids continue to be witnessed.

“Armed bandits continue to kill and maim people with impunity. President, please act. The operation to flush out bandits has not worked well at all. Review the whole thing and we shall support you,” said Ms Jematiah.

A spot-check by People Daily in the area revealed that banditry has completely devastated the Kapkomon village which falls under the restive Bartabwa ward with many families losing their loved ones in the hands of the ruthless bandits.

The neighbouring Kosile village is also in mourning following the killing of another man by the armed bandits last week.

Stolen livestock

The deceased, Raymond Kwonyike, 35 and his elder brother Moses Kwonyike, 45, were searching for their stolen livestock when they were ambushed by the bandits at River Sibilo. Raymond was shot in the chest and died on the spot while his brother sustained gunshot wounds on his arm and thigh.  Moses is still recuperating at Baringo County Referral Hospital.

Many schools in the area have been closed down with some vandalized and their vital equipment like solar panels and books stolen.

MPs from the region have vowed to pass legislation in parliament to ensure that the KDF) fully takes charge of the ongoing security operation.

The leaders among them MPs Charles Kamuren (Baringo South), Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), Joseph Makilap (Baringo North), Florence Jematia (Baringo County MP), Baringo Senator William Cheptumo and Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich were yesterday categorical the operation has not achieved much as the army were still working under the Kenya Police Service.