SOME 2,000 Baringo North subcounty residents hurt by cattle rustling want the government to compensate them.
The Tugen say they have not had peace since 1977, as bandits from the neighbouring Pokot community frequently raid their territory.
The Tugen on Monday attended a peace meeting organised by the Baringo County Anti- Cattle Rustling Programme at Kisumet in Bartabwa division.
Resident Peter Lomelia, 70, said in 2012, bandits stole 80 head of cattle, 30 goats and 15 sheep from his home in Chemoe.
“My family and I had to flee and we are now living like paupers,” he said.
Lomelia said he cannot afford his children’s school fees.
People from Chepkesin, Chemoe, Kapturo, Kalabata, Kinyach, Tuluk Mochongoi, Marigat, Eldama Ravine, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nakuru have fled their homes, he said.
Residents want the government to resolve historical land injustices and help renovate schools and dispensaries.
Kamngetio Primary School head teacher Joseph Lomul said the institution has been closed for a long time and students have moved to Kisumet.
Anti-Cattle Rustling Programme director James Kandagor said all IDPs will be compensated and resettled.
“A multi-billion shilling initiative has been mandated to ensure all those displaced get other homesteads,” he said.
“We are going to construct housing units for residents.”
Kandagor said residents from 18 counties have been affected by the cattle rustling menace.
They are: Baringo, Bomet, Elgeyo Marakwet, Isiolo, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Laikipia, Marsabit, Meru, Migori, Narok, Nyamira, Samburu, Tana River, Trans Nzoia, Turkana and West Pokot counties.
