Wycliff Kipsang 

Most parts of Baringo county are always ideal for Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruits’ training  because of its rugged terrain.

However, the continued reckless abandonment of explosives on the training fields have exposed residents and their livestock to danger.

Recently, three children from Solar area in Tiaty sub-county died on the spot after an object they were playing with, which later turned out to be an explosive, exploded.

The children; two boys aged 11 and one girl aged 14 were herding goats when they came across the explosive. 

Some explosives in the area are also believed to be those left behind by KDF personnel, who were deployed to Kapedo area at the border of Turkana and Baringo counties in November 2014 following the killing of 21 Administration Police officers (AP).

The death of the children brought to more than 10 the number of children, who have died in similar circumstances in the past three years sparking fears among locals.

In July last year, an eight-year-old boy died instantly at Kongasis village in Loruk location of Baringo North sub-county after a grenade he was playing with exploded.

Precautionary measures

Kanyagera Lodinyo, was herding goats in the company of other boys when they came across the explosive, which they started playing with.  In the process, the grenade exploded blowing off the deceased’s head while two other boys’ sustained serious injuries.

Area leaders have urged the government to compensate people who have been affected by live explosives. 

Baringo North MP William Cheptumo (pictured) yesterday said there should be policies to compel foreign and local army officers training in the area to take precautionary measures not to expose the local communities to danger.

“It is unacceptable for innocent people to suffer due to reckless abandonment of explosives. The officers should always ensure that the training grounds are safe before leaving the area to avert unnecessary disasters,” he  said.

Baringo County Police Commander Robinson Ndiwa said explosive experts have been deployed to the affected areas and warned residents against handling unknown devices.