Outrage over banditry, cattle rustling in Kerio Valley

Professionals from Kerio Valley, Marakwet East, are up in arms over increased cases of banditry and cattle rustling.

Led by Lawrence Mutwol (right), they expressed concern that innocent lives were being lost while little was being done to contain the situation. He took issue with the killing of Kirop Yualanyang of Kowow village by bandits believed to have crossed from Tiaty in Baringo County.

Mutwol, who is contesting the Marakwet East parliamentary seat as an independent candidate, said he would push for compensation of lives lost and property destroyed, if elected in August.

“It’s sad that innocent lives are being lost yet it’s business as usual on the part of the government,” he said.

Speaking when he visited Kowow village, home of the late Kirop, to console the bereaved family, Mutwol said he would push for compensation of all lives and property lost to banditry and cattle rustling.

He added: “In fact, the government should educate the children of those killed by bandits”. He regretted that education standards have deteriorated in Marakwet East because of bad leadership.

He said it was the responsibility of the government to ensure people’s lives and property are protected in any part of the country, irrespective of their ethnic or political persuasions.

“The people of Marakwet have a right to security as enshrined in the Constitution. It’s not a favour but a right,” he said.

He added: “In fact, the government should educate the children of those killed by bandits. They are suffering because criminals took the lives of their breadwinners.”

He regretted that education standards have deteriorated drastically in Marakwet East because of bad leadership, adding that it was the responsibility of all elected leaders to preach peace and reconciliation.

“I urge residents of Marakwet East to turn out in large numbers and vote for leaders who have the interest of the people at heart,” he said.