Four dead as raiders strike in 10 villages

Armed residents of Baringo County after a raid. PHOTO | CORRESPONDENT | FILE

What you need to know:

  • The more than 200 suspected Turkana raiders, armed with AK-47 rifles, are said to have attacked more than 10 villages on Tuesday night
  • The animals were driven towards Turkana South sub-county

Four people are feared dead and scores others injured after raiders struck at Nadome in Tiaty Sub-county of Baringo County.

The more than 200 suspected Turkana raiders, armed with AK-47 rifles, are said to have attacked more than 10 villages on Tuesday night and fled with 5,000 cattle, 15,000 goats, 900 camels and more than 3,000 donkeys.

The animals were driven towards Turkana South sub-county.

Silale County Assembly Member Nelson Lotela complained about the government’s slow response to the attack.

“The government is very quick to act whenever some communities are attacked, but turns a blind eye when others are in trouble. People are living in fear as the raiders are said to be planning another attack,” Mr Lotela said.

He said the injured had not yet been taken to hospital due to impassable roads, and asked the government to provide a helicopter.

Tiaty Sub-county Commissioner Daniel Kurui said the death toll had not been established. He, however, said security had been boosted.

“I am also liaising with my colleagues in Turkana County for the stolen animals to be returned and the raiders brought to book,” Mr Kurui said.
MCAs in Baringo want the county government to set up a special unit to deal with cattle rustling.

Mr Thomas Minito (Amaya/Churo), Mr Peter Amasile (Tangulbei), Mr Fredrick Kibet (Loyamorok) and Mr Solomon Makal (Kolloa), said this was the only solution to the perennial problem.

BLAME GAMES

Mr Lotela said the unit would focus on the problem of cattle rustling and address its cause. “It should be made up of residents who are familiar with the terrain,” he said.

The MCAs denied accusations that the Pokots were the aggressors in most of the conflicts.

“There should never be a blanket condemnation of the whole community as the bandits are just a few criminal elements. Blame games can only aggravate the situation. We should instead look for solutions to address the problem,” said Mr Amasile.