Some residents of Tiaty, Baringo County, have dismissed Government reports that 25 people who were arrested last week were involved in the murder of 21 Administration Police officers and three civilians.
They asked Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo and Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Co-ordination of National Government Joseph ole Lenku to apologise for allegedly giving out wrong information. Those arrested in Tangulbei, Nginyang and Chemolingot security operations, they alleged, were drunkards and street people.
"It is common knowledge that those who killed our police officers fled to Silale hills where they have been hiding since. What the two Government representatives told the nation is unfortunate," said Francis Kositany.
The whereabouts of the 25 suspects has not been disclosed by the Government.
Leaders from the region have accused Kimaiyo and Lenku of diverting the attention of Kenyans from the security operation taking place in Silale hills and its environs.
Carlos Chepkoikat told the Government to identify hardcore criminals in the region and "stop condemning everybody".
"Those who ambushed and killed our law enforcers are wrong and should be condemned. This is also the case for security officers who are now attacking innocent women and children as they pursue bandits," said Chepkoikat.
deplorable conditions
Yesterday, residents continued to seek refuge in hospitals and church compounds as more military trucks headed to Chesitet and Kapedo, where operation commands have been set up.
The fleeing residents are camping at Chemolingot District Hospital, Kositei village and Tangulbei Catholic Mission, among other places. Most of them are living in deplorable conditions.
Bombings, targeting the hills of Kapau, Chemartas, Napur, Chepelow in Akoret division, went on over the weekend but no casualties were reported.
Kenya Red Cross Society has begun distributing drugs, food and non-food items.
"The situation is not that good but as a society we are prepared for any eventuality...we are doing what it takes to reach them where they are", said Kioko Kiilu the head of Red Cross operation at Napukut village.
Two major livestock markets have suspended their operations after livestock traders from Nakuru, Koibatek and Mogotio stayed away.
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