Kerio Valley locals living at the mercy of bandits

any parts of the banditry-prone Kerio Valley have not known peace for many years which has led to the loss of many lives and the displacement of scores of others from their homes.

However, one location-Kipchumwa in Marakwet East has borne the full brunt of the blood-letting with more than 20 people being shot dead by armed bandits in the past five years alone. At least each family in the location has lost a member while many children have been left orphans with many women widowed as armed bandits continue to unleash terror in the area.

The latest victim is Joel Merikira,33, a father of four who was ambushed and shot dead while herding his goats last week at Kamologon by armed bandits from a neighbouring community. Tempers flared during the burial of Merikira on Saturday with residents complaining that the government has done little to alleviate their suffering as armed bandits continue to rule the region.

Classrooms vandalised

“For how long will we continue losing our people in the hands of the heartless bandits for the government to act? If the state cannot assure us of our safety, we better be given firearms to protect ourselves and our property,” said Paul Kirono, a resident.

Residents who spoke to People Daily complained that area leaders only tour the area during the electioneering period only to resurface after five years with the same empty promises.

“Our people have just been left at the mercy of armed bandits. Many children are at home after their classrooms were vandalised and vital equipment like books and solar panels stolen. For how long will this continue?” queried Joshua Kisang, a Marakwet elder. Ironically, Merikira had more than 17 children under his care after his parents were also killed in another ambush 10 years ago. The armed bandits have not spared school children either with two learners: Franklin Cheptarus (grade three), and Kibet Merikira (grade seven) being shot dead in cold blood on their way from school in 2020.

Sadly, Kibet’s uncle is the one who was being buried on Saturday. A form four student, Collins Kilimo, 18, is admitted at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret after he was shot in the hands and legs in another at[1]tack two weeks ago.

According to his father, Boaz Kilimo who is taking care of him, the hospital bill has accumulated to Sh300,000. “I wonder how I will raise the money. I fear we will not be released to go home once he fully recovers. We call on wellwishers and other Kenyans of goodwill to assist us. The residents have complained that the area has lagged behind in development due to many years of marginalisation by subsequent administrations.

Others who have met their deaths in the past five years in the hands of bandits include Lemsia Kaguga, William Chemeitoy, Kirotich Lotele, Kibiwott Kibargach, Kipkemoi Lonyaga, John Chemosundi, Kirotich Tarubuni, Moting Kipkore, Seromuk Siwokol and Joel Lomut. Kipchumwa’s location borders Pokot Central and Marakwet and has for many years been the battlefield between the warring Marakwet and Pokot communities.

“The two communities have for many years been raiding each other for livestock but there was no ambush and killing of in[1]nocent people in such raids. The raids have taken a new dimension, sparking fears that they are aimed at uprooting people from their ancestral land,” said James Kipyego, a resident.

Early this year, the government rolled out a massive security operation coordinated by police and assisted by the military in the banditry-prone counties in the North Rift following the killing of more than 100 civilians and 24 police officers in six months alone.

Extensive tour

The government has termed six banditry-prone counties in the region among them Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu as ‘disturbed’ and ‘dangerous’.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale who made an extensive tour of Baringo and Turkana counties last week said the government will not withdraw the military deployed to the region.

“The government is committed to re[1]storing sanity in this region once and for all. subsequent governments failed to tame this menace but Kenya Kwanza will stamp out insecurity and open this region for development,” said Duale