Security has been heightened along the Nginyang-Chemolingot road in Baringo County following an upsurge in attacks targeting motorists plying the route.

The attacks have seen more than 10 people killed this year. During a high-level security meeting at Kimose to address complaints of runaway security, it was resolved that all passengers travelling along the road will be escorted by security personnel to avert more attacks.

“We’ve stepped up patrols along the route to assure motorists of their safety. We urge you not to worry as the situation is under control. We will deal firmly with criminals who have now resorted to ambushing motorists,” said Julius Kiragu, County Police Commandant. The meeting was called following escalating insecurity in the area, the latest being the killing of two people last week at Loberer along the Marigat-Loruk road.

Urgent interventions

The duo was travelling in a lorry towards Nginyang’ market when they were ambushed by armed bandits. Yesterday’s meeting brought together top Baringo County security officials led by County Commissioner Songolo Kutwa and County Police Commandant Julius Kiragu.

The team assessed the security situation, planned urgent interventions, and reassured residents of the government’s commitment to their safety. Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek condemned the killings and called for swift investigations and justice. He called on the government to step up patrols along the Marigat-Loruk road, intelligence-led roadblocks on the Marigat-Nakuru highway, and thorough vetting of National Police Reservists (NPRs).

“This is the right towards restoring community trust and ensuring no individual or community is unfairly profiled. The criminals should be pursued individually. We fear some NPRs in neighbouring communities are colluding with criminals to terrorise innocent civilians,” said Kiborek, accompanied by his Eldama Ravine counterpart Musa Sirma.

On Thursday, Kiborek demanded a statement from the Chair to the House Committee on Administration and Internal Security at the National Assembly regarding the rampant killings targeting motorists along Marigat – Loruk road. Business came to a standstill along Nakuru–Marigat highway on Wednesday after locals barricaded the busy route protesting the killings.

The irate residents used stones to barricade the road and lit bonfires for the better part of the day as police watched from far.

It took the intervention of Kiragu and County Commissioner Steven Kutwa for locals to clear the highway.

“We have noted your concerns and as the government, we will do all within our means to ensure that the culprits behind the heinous act are brought to book,” said Kutwa.

The killings along major highways in the North Rift is now sparking fears that armed bandits have now changed tact and have resorted to highway robbery. This is sharp contrast to the traditional way where they used to raid villages for livestock. Barely a month ago, gunmen ambushed a police-escorted bus along the Maralal-Baragoi road, killing two passengers and injuring several others.

A prison officer was also shot dead on the same road when bandits attacked a police vehicle transporting suspects to a mobile court in Charda, allowing eight remandees to escape

Violent incidents

The killing comes amid a rise in violent incidents in Samburu County, including last week’s attack in Kilepoi, Baragoi, where six people were killed and eight injured in a cattle raid.

According to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, the government has intensified security operations in the region. The government has deployed specialised units such as the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) to ensure long-term peace and stability.

The area is among those under the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift. “The government is committed to sustaining the success of Operation Maliza Uhalifu. We will not rest until all illegal firearms are seized,” said Murkomen