Chiefs arrested over Turkana attacks

Three chiefs have been seized in circumstances related to the wave of banditry attacks in Baringo and Turkana counties.

The chiefs were arrested on Tuesday on claims that they had refused to cooperate with police in the ongoing disarmament in the two counties.

The operation follows Saturday’s attack that left five people, including three police officers, dead.

This came as reports emerged that several houses had been burnt by raiders even as General Service Unit officers intensified the security operations in the two counties.

But Baringo County Commissioner Peter Okwayo denied two chiefs from Ribkwo, Silale locations and Kapedo West sub-location had been arrested.

LOCATE THE CULPRITS

“They have not been arrested as such; they are only assisting police to locate the culprits behind the Saturday attack,” Mr Okwanyo said.

Meanwhile, police announced they have so far collected 15 bodies, including those of the three GSU officers, since last weekend’s bandit attack.

Inspector-General David Kimaiyo, who toured the disputed Kapedo on Sunday, warned that stern action would be taken against leaders making remarks likely incite the public.

He ordered two Members of the County Assembly from Tiaty Sub-county to record statements with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations over remarks they made on Mashujaa Day.

The utterances are believed to have contributed to the animosity between the warring communities.

The MCAs from the Pokot community are said to have claimed that the Kapedo GSU camp was causing conflicts between the two communities by favouring the Turkana in the provision of security.

However, Ripkwo/Kositei Ward MCA Daniel Tuwit dismissed the incitement claims.

He, however, accused police of harassing innocent civilians in the ongoing crackdown.

“They have already burnt over 20 houses, including a pastor’s, and Professor Lonyangapuo Chesitet Primary School. We support efforts to disarm herders keeping illegal firearms, but why destroy property? What does a primary school have to do with banditry?” Mr Tuwit posed.

Mr Okwanyo dismissed reports that police were harassing civilians and that houses had been torched, adding the operation was going on smoothly although they are yet to recover guns and the 200 bullets.

He was addressing journalists at the Kenya School of Government, Kabarnet, alongside Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi. The commissioner said they will not relent until all guns in civilian hands are seized.

The perennial conflict between the Pokot and Turkana has beet attributed to a border dispute with each laying claim to resource-rich Kapedo.

Mr Cheboi urged leaders from the warring communities to refrain from remarks that would incite conflicts.

“County and national governments will ensure calm is restored, stolen livestock recovered and the bandits apprehended,” Mr Cheboi said.

The IG said police will be justified to use force, including shooting armed bandits wreaking havoc in pastoral areas such as Baringo and Laikipia.