Baringo residents accuse police of arson as they pursue bandits

Carlos Kapkoikat a resident of Chesitet in Tiaty constituency inspects a destroyed teachers quarters of Lonyangapuo primary school. [PHOTO: KIPSANG JOSEPH/STANDARD]

BARINGO COUNTY: A security operation to recover guns and more than 400 bullets stolen from three General Service Unit (GSU) officers killed last weekend today enters its third day in Tiaty.

The operation to flush out criminals believed to have fled and currently hiding in Silale Hills turned ugly on Tuesday afternoon when hundreds of armed security personnel destroyed homes and shopping centres, and set them ablaze.

Structures along the Chemolingot-Kapedo road in Chesitet and Ameyen villages were brought down as the officers, under the command of Baringo Police Commandant Hassan Barua, headed for their temporary operation base in Kapedo town.

ARSON ATTACK

When The Standard team arrived in the area, smoke billowed above Chesitet Hills and a strong smell of burning cereals filled the air while the loud burst of capped soda bottles could be heard under piles of ash and iron sheets.

Kasera Chelipo, a businessman, told us she lost stock valued at more than Sh500,000 as well as Sh625,000 in cash after her shop was reduced to ashes by the fire allegedly started by police.

"I had the money in a metal box placed between bags of sugar. For years, that has been my bank and now it is all gone not because of criminals but courtesy of Government security officers", she said.

She said during the attacks, security officers pulled out bags containing maize and beans from people's homes and set them on fire.

Carlos Chepkoikat, another trader, allegedly lost 10 bags of maize, 20 bags of maize flour, 15 bags of sugar and dozens of sodas in Chesitet shopping centre.

However, Administration Police Spokesperson Masoud Mwinyi said they were not aware of the allegations because no one had made a formal complaint.

Mr Mwinyi asked the affected residents to record statements with the police immediately and promised action would be taken against officers found to have been involved in the acts of destruction.

"If this information is true, then it is shocking. Villagers with factual information must not hesitate to come forward," he said.

Following the operation, more than 3,000 residents have now started fleeing their homes; some are camped in Chemolingot while others are holed up in the mountains.

Tiaty MP Asman Kamama, who is also the National Security and Administration Committee chairman, wants the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo to investigate the arson attack.

"Two wrongs can never make a right and that is why as leaders we demand that action be taken against those heading this operation.

"Those officers who are torching shops and homes must be arrested and prosecuted," he said.