Arachi tours region

A police crackdown has been launched to flush out bandits in Arabal and Rukus.

Acting Inspector-General of Police Samuel Arachi said incessant raids had displaced more than 5,000 people and led to the closure of schools in the region. He spoke after he toured affected areas in Baringo North and Baringo South sub-counties on Tuesday. He was accompanied by local leaders.

A peace meeting he attended resolved, among other things, that the 5,000 be taken back to their homes with the help of the National Youth Service.

“We should not witness killings, displacement of people and destruction of property again. Herders who have invaded other people’s territories should vacate immediately as part of peace building efforts,” Mr Arachi told journalists.

Hundreds of Pokot herders from Tiaty Sub-County have moved into Arabal in Baringo South with their livestock. This has not gone down well with the Tugen who live in the area, causing tension.

POLICE INTERVENTION

Governor Benjamin Cheboi said the security initiative would help bring peace to the region.

Baringo North MP William Cheptumo said leaders in the area had appealed for police intervention several times.

“Loss of lives and property, and the displacement of people has been experienced in recent days and we are determined to ensure this comes to an end,” said Mr Cheptumo.

Baringo South MP Grace Kipchoim criticised assembly Speaker William Kamket and West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo for visiting Pokot herders in Arabal on Sunday and donating food.

She said the herders should not have been given the food as they were involved in cattle rustling.

The crackdown was launched three days after Deputy President William Ruto said the government would deploy all the security machinery at its disposal to rid the region of the menace once and for all.