Baringo chiefs suspended over cattle rustling

Four chiefs have been suspended in Baringo County for not arresting suspects linked to cattle rustling.

Baringo County Commissioner Peter Okwanyo who said the four had knowledge of the suspects linked to February 2 attack that led to the death of four people at Sandai location in Baringo South sub-county.

Okwanyo said the suspended Chiefs are Michael Chepkuto of Sandai location, Samuel Wasseges of Chebinyiny, Patrick Chepsoi of Mochongoi and Wiliam Koech of Arabal location.

"Before we suspended the chiefs, we gave them time to produce the suspects but they ignored my directive," said Okwanyo.

He said the chiefs have already returned their uniforms as the dismissal letters are being processed.

The commissioner however said if they produce suspects within one week, they will be reinstated to their positions.

"It is unfortunate despite the local administrators knowing who committed the acts they have been uncooperative to apprehend them," said Okwanyo

He said intelligence indicated that the suspects are hiding in Mochongoi.

Early this month suspected cattle rustlers attacked Imbechot village in Baringo south killing four people before stealing hundreds of cattle and drove them towards Kailer village. Residents said the more than 50 attackers terrorized the village for hours.

The attack led to hudreds of residents fleeing their homes and camped at Sandai trading centre disrupting learning at Imbechot Primary school, as teacher and pupils fled with their families.

Okwanyo said he has also issued an ultimatum to Chiefs from Njemps side to return the stolen cattle stolen before Monday or else they face the same action.

The county commissioner has also suspended Sabatia Location chief Jacob Kiprono Kigen for failing to end illicit brews in the area.

"He has been collaborating with illicit brew traders which they transport the liquor from Ng'atutura in Nakuru and we have evidence that he has been taking bribes from them," said Okwanyo

He added that many people in the area have lost their lives for consuming the brew and also the crime rate has risen.

Okwanyo said it is wrong for chief, who has been  given the job to eliminate alcohol to support the business.

So far the Okwanyo has sacked ten chiefs in the county.