High-level security team deployed to quell Kapedo chaos
By Roy Lumbe, January 13, 2021
High level security teams have been deployed in the restive Kapedo area at the border of Baringo and Turkana counties, in a bid to restore calm following an attack by suspected bandits.
Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya confirmed that security had been beefed up at the border town and he called for calm among residents.
He noted that they have also launched a major operation aimed at mopping up guns from locals. Natembeya said the illegal firearm menace had become a major challenge in the area.
According to Natembeya, a group of armed youths were searching for stolen livestock on Monday and in the process fatally shot a 75-year-old man and injuring others.
“The main challenge at the border is guns among locals , communities are holding guns and we have begun operations to disarm them to end this banditry,” said Natembeya.
He added that the main hurdle in flashing criminal elements in the area has been the tough terrain and communication challenge. He called on telco companies to install masts in the area.
Natembeya issued a stern warning to cattle rustlers: “Cattle rustlers have no place in this era. We are warning them their days are numbered.”
Security officers have also mounted an operation to flush out bandits who have terrorised residents since last week.
The operation is the latest in a series of government crackdowns in the area.
Tension remains high at the border even as four schools were temporarily shut following the attack.
The schools are Kapedo Primary, Kapedo Girls Primary, Lomelo Primary and Kapedo Secondary.
According to locals, at least 10 houses were also torched and a health centre vandalised.