Learning paralysed in Baringo after armed bandits kill officer

by Wycliff Kipsang

Learning has been paralysed in Baringo North sub-county after a police officer was on Saturday shot dead by armed bandits.

Tension remains high in the area following the incident at Chepkesin with residents, fearing for their lives, forced to flee.

The most affected institutions include Kamwetio, Chepkeu and Chepkesin primary schools, which have been closed down indefinitely. Also affected is Kesumet Early Childhood Development Centre.

Bartabwa Ward Rep Reuben Chepsongol has decried rising cases of insecurity and called on the government to take immediate action against the rampant raids.

The bandits are said to have vandalised property and settled at Kamwetio Primary School sparking fears.

During the Saturday’s incident, the deceased, David Omondi, was on routine patrol with his colleagues when the bandits ambushed them.

Baringo North Police chief Fred Odinga said there was heavy exchange of fire that resulted to the fatal shooting of the officer. The officers were on a mission to repulse armed bandits from the neighbouring Tiaty sub-county, who had invaded the area and grazed their livestock in people’s farms.
Odinga said the persistent dry spell have contributed to conflicts due to scramble for limited resources.

Displaced residents including women and children have fled to areas such as Kisumet and Bartabwa.

Limited resources
More than 50 people have been killed and scores displaced in the banditry prone Kerio Valley since the beginning of the year.

Counties from the banditry prone North Rift have proposed that the National Police Reservists (NPR) programme be revived.

Governors Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet), John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot) and Stanley Kiptis of Baringo said the devolved units are ready to help NPRs if the government hires them.

Rift Valley Regional Coordinator George Natembeya yesterday said the government is in the process of vetting all NPRs before being issued with firearms.

There has been a public outcry following the government’s move to disarm the NPRs two years ago.