Banditry: Families heed directive to leave homes

In Samburu county, the areas of Ltungai Conservancy, Longewan, Nasuur, Lochokia and Lekadaar Escarpments; Lolmolok Caves, Pura Valley, Malaso Escarpment and Suguta Valley were declared as scenes of crime.

On Monday, after the expiry of the ultimatum at 8 am, The Standard witnessed a mass exodus of civilians in the areas mentioned by the CS.

They, however, were at loss as to how they would sustain their lives away from their homes.

"We are obeying government orders but we do not know where were are going. It is true we have suffered in the hands of the bandits, who have killed our people and now the operation has commenced [and] we are moving to Sukuta Mamar trading centre where there is peace," Joel Yaya, a Longewan resident, said.

Yaya, who moved with his family, said his only prayer and hope is to see the banditry contained.

"We support the government initiative. We want the security officers to succeed in ending the menace and bring lasting peace," he said.

Yaya said although it was going to be difficult for most of them to stay away from their homes, it was worthwhile to ensure peace.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki. [File, Standard]

Kevin Yolee, a first-year university student majoring in Electronic Engineering, said his parents were trapped inside Silale Hills and were unwilling to leave.

On Monday, while communicating with his parents, he said they were resisting the order because they had nowhere else to go.

"As much as the order is in place, I'm not sure where my parents will go; my father has seven wives and 42 children; it's really difficult; I pity them; there are no schools where I come from, which has encouraged this banditry," he said.

He said most of his siblings are young and that moving to safer grounds will be difficult for them.

"Drought has had an impact on our livestock. We are unable to transport them out of the area. They will perish on the way," he said.

He noticed that some of his brothers had left the family home with some of the family livestock in search of water and grazing fields, leaving the younger brother with his parents.

"Moving out of the village necessitates energetic men, which we currently lack at home," Yolee said.

Other places mapped are Mukogodo Forest; Kamwenje, Warero and Ndonyoriwo; Lekuruki Hills, Losos and Kiape Caves and Sieku Valley in Laikipia county.