Raiders continue to unleash terror as residents flee Kerio Valley

Medics attend to Benjamin Kipkech (Right) and Pius Cheptoo at the Iten County Referral Hospital, the patients are survivors of gun attacks by suspected cattle rustlers who struck Kasagei village in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The survivors blamed government agencies for slow response to attacks from cattle rustling menace and murders along the Kerio Valley on the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo Counties. 30 people have so far been killed and thousands of livestock stolen. 25-10-2016. PHOTOS BY: KEVIN TUNOI

The scenic Kerio Valley, which has now become the valley of death, has seen 30 lives lost in the past few months and over 10,000 animals stolen.

Locals have abandoned their homes and sought refuge in caves. And yesterday, children abandoned school following another daring daylight attack on Monday.

Residents of Chesongoch and Chesetan would rather face wild animals and poisonous snakes at the Kimonoi caves than face the armed cattle rustlers. Old people and small children precariously balance on the slippery and sharp rocks. Any slip-up means death or broken limbs.

The few trading centres that are still in operation are like a battle zone where people, among them teachers, go about their business clutching bows and arrows to ward off the attackers as the raids have become the order of the day.

NATIONAL EXAMINATION

Fate of the Form Four and Standard Eight candidates huddled in the caves remains unknown even as the rest of the country prepares for the national examinations.

Schools such as Chesetan, Ratia, Queen of Peace and Kombases primary schools remain closed for the second week following the attacks. It is common to see learners studying under trees in the escarpment.

Those who have escaped tell chilling stories of their close shave with death. Benjamin Kipkech is lucky to have escaped the Monday attack. Kipkech, 42, was among a group of herders looking after their livestock at Kasegei village near the Kerio River when they were attacked by cattle raiders from the neighbouring Baringo County.

He escaped with a gunshot wound which shattered his right hand. He might not use the hand again but he is glad he is alive.

His colleague, Jonathan Naibei, 18, was not so lucky and succumbed to injuries inflicted by the raiders’ bullets. Unconfirmed reports indicate two raiders were also killed by security officers who repulsed the over 200 heavily armed raiders.

“The raiders armed with guns ambushed us. They wanted to steal our livestock after shooting  us,” said Kipkech, a father of two.

During the raid, the bandits launched a series of attacks at Murkutwa, Kabetwa, Chosongoch and Borowo areas in Marakwet East, driving away with over 500 livestock. Kipkech said their bows and arrows could not match the raiders’ fire power and they sustained injuries as they fled.

“I felt a sharp pain in my right hand and collapsed. I regained consciousness in this hospital bed,” he told The Standard at Iten County Referral Hospital, where he is recuperating.

Similar harrowing tales abound as locals narrate their ordeal in the hands of ruthless bandits who attack at will. Over 30 people have died this year from the attacks that have paralysed learning, with thousands of people forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in rock caves. Benjamin Cheptoo, another survivor, is also receiving treatment at Iten after being shot in the chest by the raiders.

“We are tired of these raids but we are helpless. We need an explanation from the Government,” said Mr Cheptoo.

At Iten and Eldoret towns there were demonstrations as Elgeyo Marakwet residents poured into the streets to protest against the state of insecurity. Women from the Marakwet community lifted up a revered traditional ornament, ‘leketiet’ which symbolises peace and motherhood as they chanted anti-government slogans.

LISTEN TO US

They accused the State of failing to contain the situation.

“Our homes in Kerio valley are no longer safe and we want the Government to know we are suffering. We are protesting because we want someone to listen to us and wipe away our tears,” said Salome Kipkore.

“It is better to live with wild animals than in our homes where one can be shot at by the raiders. We better live without food than be mercilessly butchered,” said Monica Simion.

Apart from wild animals, the refuge seekers have to bear with the dangers of falling rocks and hunger after they abandoned their farmlands.

“There are people nursing snake bites. If the situation continues, we will lose more people to the wild animals also,” she said.

Tot Sub-county Hospital remains deserted as the area has been turned into a battlefield, with the 1000-acre Tot-Kolowa irrigation project funded by the Kenya Red Cross being  abandoned.

Linah Kiptum, who lost her brother in-law in one of the attacks, accused the Government of neglecting them.

By the time of going to press, top security officials led by deputy Inspector General of Police Joel Kitili and Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Wanyama Musiambo were leading a closed-door security meeting in Tot, Marakwet East.

Anti-FGM Board chair Jebii Kilimo called on leaders to be sincere and honest in preaching peace.