Tension high in Baringo, raiders overpower police and drive away cattle

BARINGO COUNTY: Tension is high in Sirata in Mukutani division, Baringo South sub-county, after raiders struck on Friday night and drove away more than 30 cattle.

Efforts by General Service Unit officers and Kenya Police Reservists to repulse the raiders, who were armed with AK47 rifles, proved futile as they were overpowered following a fierce exchange of gun fire at Karaua.

The animals were driven towards Tangulbei in the neighbouring Tiaty sub-county.

The raid in the cattle rustling-prone area has resulted in some residents fleeing as they fear their livestock could be stolen.

Three Morans from the Ilchamus community who had accompanied the security team in the rescue mission were critically injured after the raiders open fire at them near Noosukuro.

“Those injured have been rushed to Kiserian health centre for first aid on their way to Kabarnet District hospital”, confirmed Mukutani MCA Renson Berkei.

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Berkei while condemning the attacks challenged the Government to conduct a forceful disarmament in East Pokot saying that was the only way to realize lasting solution in the county.

Baringo county police commandant Asan Barua was among top Government officers you joined in the recovery mission that was extended deep inside the Pokot territory. However, the area police boss declined to comment on the operation but promised that the recovery mission was on course.

However, Tiaty MP Asman Kamama who is also chairman of the powerful House committee on national security instead accused Inspector General of police David Kimaiyo for playing politics in the attack.

“The IG was aware about this raid and my efforts to plead with him to dispatch an operation helicopter has failed, it is unfortunate to see him now apply double standards”, said Kamama.

He said in April, the Government dispatched a police helicopter to Mukutani following a deadly attack in which 400 cattle and more than 2000 goats and sheep were stolen and driven towards Chepkalacha in Tungulbei.