Tension in Baringo as suspected bandits kill villager

Nancy Jeptoo Kipkitai being treated at Marigat Hospital on February 19, 2017. She was attacked by Suspected Pokot bandits at Chemorongion in Baringo south on Sunday afternoon. One person was killed in the attack. PHOTO | CHEBOITE KIGEN | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The two were going home when they were ambushed by an unknown number of armed bandits.
  • Hundreds of herders from the neighbouring Pokot community have invaded the pasture-rich Arabal.
  • Learning has been paralysed in more than 10 schools in the area as parents and their children have fled.

Tension has gripped Chemorong'ion in Baringo South Sub-County after one person was shot dead and one other seriously injured following an ambush by suspected armed bandits believed to be from a neighbouring community.

The Sunday 5pm incident happened when Paul Chelagat, 54, and Nancy Kipkitai, 35, were on the way to their homes when they were ambushed by an unknown number of armed bandits who shot them and escaped into the bush.

Confirming the incident, Baringo County Administration Police Commandant Robinson Ndiwa said that Ms Kipkitai, who was shot in the breast, is recuperating at Marigat Sub-County Hospital.

"We have already deployed police officers to comb the area and arrest the bandits who have wreaked havoc in the area," said Mr Ndiwa.

Hundreds of herders from the neighbouring Pokot community have invaded the pasture-rich Arabal in search of water and pasture due to the prolonged dry spell.

HERDERS INVADE

This has not gone down well with locals who are claiming that the herders have now turned to killing of people and stealing their livestock.

The incident happens barely five days after a primary school teacher from the area was shot dead by armed bandits in an afternoon attack.

Philemon Kemei, was shot at Kapindasim while on his way to Chemorong'ion trading centre.

Learning has been paralysed in more than 10 schools in the area as parents and their children have fled the area for fear of more revenge attacks.

On Saturday evening, bandits struck Kasiela Village and made away with hundreds of livestock.

The two incidents have ignited animosity among the warring Tugen and Pokot communities.

Following the killings, locals in Marigat Town, which is the sub-county headquarters, went to the streets and accused the government of failure to address the rampant insecurity in the area.

The locals burnt tyres and barricaded roads in the town as they demanded a solution to the perennial problem.