Tension after bandits raid a village in Baringo

Baringo, Kenya: Over 200 families have fled their homes in Ng'aratuko and Chemoe locations in Baringo North, after suspected Pokot bandits attacked the village injuring a 50-year-old woman and torching two houses before fleeing with 215 goats.

According to the residents, tension is high in the area and the locals are fleeing their homes after marauding attackers were reportedly seen in the area.

On Sunday night at Chesiran village, a woman identified as Sote Kibarar was shot on the leg as the bandits made away with 93 goats after firing several shots to scare the villagers.

Local leaders from the affected areas Richard Kambala (Saimo/Soi) and his Bartabwa counterpart Reuben Chepsongol have called on the government to move in and address the issue before it gets out of hand.

He said the families who have fled their homes are now camping at Yatya primary and secondary school while others fled to neighbouring villages- Akoret, Akoreyan, Moinonin and Marigat.

Kibarar was rushed to hospital Monday morning as local police allegedly feared responding to the attack fearing for their lives.

"The KDF who are currently in East Pokot should be deployed to these areas. We need action from the government," said Chepsongol.

Area County Commissioner Peter Okwanyo confirmed the incident but failed to divulge more details claiming that he was held in an urgent security meeting.