A Kenya Police Reservist was shot and injured by suspected Pokot bandits during an attack at Arabal in Baringo South on Tuesday morning.
The officer was rescued from the scene by Kenya Red Cross officials.
An injured Kenya Police Reservist officer who was shot by suspected Pokot bandits during a raid in Arabal, Baringo South subcounty, February 21, 2017. /JOSEPH KANGOGO
More than 2,000 residents have fled the area as tension remains high following five deaths and six injuries between Saturday and Tuesday.
Police officers and an armoured personnel carrier have been deployed to repulse an estimated 300 armed Pokot bandits.
The bandits are said to be surrounding over 100 stolen cows in Chemorongion hills.
Area youth armed with poisoned arrows are also assisting GSU officers in operations to recover the stolen livestock.
Youth armed with poisoned arrows regroup to repulse suspected Pokot bandits who raided Arabal village in Baringo South, February 21, 2017. /JOSEPH KANGOGO
"We have been exchanging fierce gunshots with these Pokot bandits since 6am. We have not eaten anything. My shot at Chemorongion has remained closed," said William Kandie, a resident.
He said they are ready to vacate the area but lack transport to do so.
"There were no vehicles to transport the victims," he said, adding that they cannot manage spending the night in the area due to sudden attacks.
Arabal sublocation assistant chief Emily Kimoi said if the bandits are not repulsed, a mass exodus is imminent at Arabal, Chemorongion, Nyimbey, Kasiela and Kapndasum.
Kenya Red Cross officials evacuate displaced residents after suspected Pokot bandits raided Arabal, Baringo south, February 21, 2017. /JOSEPH KANGOGO
Tuesday's attack took place after a woman and her three-day-old baby were killed at Natan village, Baringo North subcounty.
Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi chided the insensible killings and asked the national government to move faster towards beefing up security.
"I don't understand if Baringo is still in Kenya; the way the way our people are killed like this and yet the government seem to drag it's feet in putting up measures in place to apprehend the bandits.
"This is unacceptable and we cannot continue watching our people being butchered like this, something must be done immediately" he said.
He said he has talked to Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery to provide a day-long surveillance chopper to deal with the criminals.
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