Peace eludes region as criminals outwit state

Residents of Tiaty, Baringo County seek refuge in a school that was deserted after fights erupted between the Pokot and Marakwet communities along Kerio Valley. [File, Standard]

In certain parts of Kenya, not even the combined presence of the General Service Unit (GSU), the military and the increased presence of police officers can keep help the peace. In these regions, law and power reside in the fingers of he who pulls the trigger fast -- and first.

In most cases, these fingers belong to bandits who have made death in Kerio Valley normalcy rather than an exception.