One killed as bandits strike in Baringo

Armed youths at Ameyan in Baringo on May 31, 2018. The area borders Kapedo Centre. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The current banditry attacks in Yatya and Kolowa in Tiaty, Baringo County, has raised tension in the area.

Suspected bandits in less than a week have raided the two areas and drove away over 100 head of cattle.

On Monday suspected bandits from Marakwet raided Kobirbir village in Kolowa and killed a 14 year old boy before driving away 82 head of cattle.

The armed raiders allegedly raided the village at around 4pm while the boy was watering the livestock shooting him dead.

Last week Charles Kiburet was watering his livestock at a dam when he was shot by armed bandits who also made away with more than 30 head of cattle.

Kiburet said he was driving his cattle away from the dam after watering them when he was attacked.

He said he did not see the attackers who but heard gun shots and saw blood.

Some 27 head of cattle were later recovered by National Police Reservists from the Pokot Community and were handed over to the owners.

The animals were recovered at Kositei in the neighboring Tiaty Sub-County.

Kolowa Ward Member of County Assembly Makal Solomon condemned the attacks.

Makal called on security personnel to pursue the attackers and have the animals returned.

“We want the animals back and the attackers brought to book,” he said.

Richard Cheserem, Saimosoi ward MCA also condemned the attacks adding that security agencies should deal with the cases as soon as possible.

Baringo County Commissioner Henry Wafula has since called on the people to maintain peace as police pursue the suspected bandit.

Wafula said they are putting in place efforts to ensure sanity prevails in the area.

He said they are pursuing the stolen animals and will soon recover them and warned the few who engage in cattle theft that their days are numbered.

“We are assuring the locals that the animals will be recovered, I have put the few rustlers on notice and warning them that their days are numbered,” he said.