By ROBERT KIPLAGAT
Residents of Yatya village on the border of Baringo North and East Pokot districts are living in fear after rustlers stole 27 goats.
The residents who spoke to The Standard said armed rustlers laid ambush, scaring them before fleeing with the goats belonging to Mr Isaac Sigirik.
Village elders led by Richard Chepchomei said efforts by the residents to pursue the stolen animals were fruitless, adding the incident has jeopardised the newly found peace between the two communities.
“This is unfortunate as both communities had agreed to recover all stolen animals and live in harmony.”
He called on the Government to disarm the communities to bring lasting peace. Chepchomei lamented that continued insecurity was a letdown to a recent peace meeting aimed at bringing peace between the two groups chaired by Public Works Permanent Secretary Prof John Lonyangapuo in Lake Bogoria.
The Tugen elder urged the Government to intervene by arresting the criminals, adding that the recently deployed security personnel should be maintained.
Pokot leaders led by Silale ward councillor Peter Lokormoi have, however, blamed the Government for frustrating recovery of stolen livestock.
“We as leaders of Pokot have recovered over 150 animals. But the Provincial Administration has not been supportive in providing transportation and other modalities,” said Lokormoi.
He confirmed that his community was committed to peaceful co-existence, saying that few criminal elements were tarnishing the name of the peaceful majority.
East Pokot DC Amos Mariba said over 200 livestock stolen by suspected Pokot cattle rustlers from the Tugen community have been recovered by local leaders in conjunction with the Provincial Administration.
“Livestock including 200 goats, four cows and four donkeys have been recovered. My office in conjunction with local leaders and elders recovered the animals from suspects,” said Mr Mariba.
