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When bandits are wreak havoc in the North Rift, people living with disability (PWDs) are always a disadvantaged lot especially as residents run for their dear lives.

But a woman who grew up in the banditry-prone region is seeking to change this as she is now reaching out to this forgotten group.

Joan Chemtai Bwambok, a businesswoman is using her little resources to offer humanitarian assistance, including foodstuff and walking aids to the hapless insecurity victims in the banditry-prone Kerio Valley where she grew up.

Bwambok says she has lost a lot of relatives in the hands of the armed bandits from a neighbouring community.

“It is sad the government and well-wishers’ help never reach these people,” said Bwambok.
Her cousin, Stephen Chelal was shot dead recently by bandits in Loruk, Baringo North sub-county.
Bwambok through her organisation New Dawn of Hope has been donating food and clothing to residents affected by banditry. “I’m doing this out of goodwill, not for any political gain. I was brought up in the banditry-prone region and most of the affected are relatives,” she said.

People Daily established that many people living with disability in the region have borne the brunt of the armed conflicts which has left more than 100 people dead in the past year.

Bwambok has been reaching out to area chiefs and village elders to get the exact number of people living with disability in the region.

“I’m trying to locate around 20 of them in Baringo county. Most of them are nursing gunshot injuries,” she said. “Others are blind or lame. They cannot access medical facilities. These are the issues I’m focusing on.”

A spot-check by People Daily on a tour of the area revealed that perennial banditry attacks have completely shattered dreams of many learners with more than 20 schools in Baringo North and South sub-counties remaining closed.

The worst hit are schools in Chepkesin, Kamwetio, Kobot, Kagir, Yatya, Barsuswo, Mukutani and Arabal. Some of them were closed in 2005.