Police harassment alleged in Baringo security operation

Peter Lokoromoi (left) Baringo county senator Gideon Moi (center) and Makale Selemoi (right) with leaders from Pokot community addressing the press at Lake Bogorio Spa Resort on October 28 (PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH)

Residents of violence-scarred areas in Baringo County have accused security forces of waging a terror campaign against them during an ongoing operation to flush out attackers.

The operation was launched after five people including police officers were killed at the weekend in Kapedo.

They accuse security teams involved in the operation of allegedly burning down a primary school, homes and business premises at two trading centres in Nginyang division, Tiaty Constituency.

Lonyangapuo Chesitet Primary School, shops at Chesitet and Amayen centres, residential homes including a pastor's house are among structures destroyed by people residents insist were police officers pursuing suspected cattle rustlers.

Carlos Kapkolkat, whose shop was among those torched during the noon incident yesterday, alleged the police officers also took away his 100 goats.

"People are now fleeing into the forest and up mountains with their children and animals. It's now clear the operation aims at inflicting injury on innocent civilians because of the evil acts committed by criminals," said Kapkolkat.

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi said those behind the arson attacks must be arrested and brought to book, insisting the tension in the region was boundary-related.

"Destruction of schools and private property will never be a solution to this problem and that is why as leaders we demand an immediate investigation into the whole issue," said Gideon who held a series of peace meetings with Pokot community leaders at Lake Bogoria SPA resort for the better part of yesterday.

Tension is also mounting in Kapedo following threats by Pokot bandits to attack a local General Service Unit camp.

Stolen firearms

A spot check by The Standard established that herders from the affected community are driving their hundreds of animals to safer grounds near Marigat irrigation scheme.

But Baringo County Commissioner Peter Okwanyo has warned that the ongoing operation would continue until firearms and more than 400 rounds of ammunition stolen from the slain officers are recovered.

"Those risking the lives of other Kenyans should not be spared. It is clear in my mind that the law allows our forces to use their firearms as required," said Tiaty MP Asman Kamama who is also the National Security and Administration committee chairman.