Rustlers raid hotspot despite KDF presence
What you need to know:
- The suspected Turkana raiders raided Chekurio Village in Pokot North sub-county as the Kenya Defence Force intensifies operations against bandits in West Pokot.
- Meanwhile, Pokot MPs who met President Kenyatta at State House Nairobi last Friday are out to convince the government to suspend the ongoing operation in Tiaty Sub-County.
- Mr Warfa said the government will only put on hold the ongoing operation if the residents name the bandits behind the killing of the officers and three civilians at Akoret area near Kapedo three weeks ago and surrender all illegal firearms in their possession.
Armed raiders Tuesday attacked a village in West Pokot despite the military operations in the areas as the regional chief blamed leaders for the conflict.
The attackers stole over 300 goats, heightening tension between Pokots and Turkanas.
The suspected Turkana raiders raided Chekurio Village in Pokot North sub-county as the Kenya Defence Force intensifies operations against bandits in West Pokot.
“About 100 raiders attacked the village, sparking a fierce shootout with local herdsmen that lasted for over two hours,” Ombolion area chief Joseph Korkimul said.
He said the raiders drove the animals towards Kapelitok in Turkana.
Kacheliba MP Mark Lomunokol condemned the attack and asked the government to help recover the stolen animals.
He asked the government to train the Kenya Police Reservists (KPR) and set up camps along areas prone to insecurity.
“The government should set up KPR camps along the volatile Pokot-Turkana border and equip them with the necessary machinery to help curb insecurity,” he said.
SLOW BORDER DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The MP blamed the government for taking long to resolve the border dispute between the two communities.
However, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Osman Warfa blamed leaders for the conflict. Speaking separately, he accused them of meddling and inciting their followers.
“I urge our leaders to desist from making reckless statements and leave the dispute to qualified agencies,” Mr Warfa said.
He cited the feud between Turkana and Baringo counties over where the troubled Kapedo Falls, with each claiming it falls within its jurisdictions.
This has fuelled the conflict, which resulted in the killing of 30 people last month, including 21 policemen.
More than 19 areas in the region have unresolved boundary issues.
Meanwhile, Pokot MPs who met President Kenyatta at State House Nairobi last Friday are out to convince the government to suspend the ongoing operation in Tiaty Sub-County.
COOPERATING WITH GOVERNMENT
The lawmakers argue that their people are already cooperating with the government.
The MPs, including Asman Kamama (Tiaty) (below), Samuel Moroto (Kapenguria), David Pkosing (Pokot South), Mark Lomonokol (Kacheliba) and Regina Nyeris (West Pokot Women Representative), held a closed-door meeting with Mr Warfa on Monday before addressing a peace meeting at Chemolingot in Tiaty.
They asked the government to work with elders to arrest the culprits responsible for the recent killing of APs.
“There should be a ceasefire and all road blocks must be removed to pave way for normal operations. The Pokot people are peace-loving and should not be branded as criminals,” Mr Psoking said.
The leaders also demanded that the case facing 12 people, who were arrested in connection with the killing, be dismissed.
Mr Warfa said the government will only put on hold the ongoing operation if the residents name the bandits behind the killing of the officers and three civilians at Akoret area near Kapedo three weeks ago and surrender all illegal firearms in their possession.
