Tension high along West Pokot-Turkana border as humanitarian crisis looms

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet [File, Standard]

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet has ordered security agencies to restore peace along the border of Turkana and West Pokot counties.

This follows skirmishes along that border that have left more than three people dead.

“We wish to inform you that in the wake of the recent spate of bandit attacks along the border of Turkana and West Pokot counties, the Inspector General has ordered the Regional Police Commander, Rift Valley, to use all available police resources to stop the violence,” said Mr Boinnet in a statement.

He further ordered police to step up investigations against individuals who are suspected of incitement in the area.

The skirmishes, which intensified a week ago, have already claimed the lives of three people. Five people, including a schoolboy, were injured.

Others who were also injured were a police reservist and an officer attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU).

During the weekend, a gang of heavily armed raiders invaded Kainuk ASTU camp and engaged police in a gun battle that lasted for about two hours.

A policeman and a herder were injured. Residents are now calling for help, saying the situation is getting out of hand.

Peter Ekidor, a resident, said many people who had found a safe haven in Kainuk and were conducting businesses there, were now fleeing.