Fear has gripped the Kerio Valley where families have been fleeing their homes due to the resurgence of banditry.
More than 10 deaths have occurred in the last three weeks.
In the latest attack on Monday evening, armed bandits struck at Tot area and shot dead a farmer but did not steal his livestock.
GSU officers have been deployed after the attack by bandits suspected to have crossed over from Tiaty area in Baringo county.
Residents say the killing was one of the revenge attacks taking place recently.
Banditry had declined in the region for almost two years after the Pokot, Marakwet and Tugen communities signed a peace accord at Chesogon. It was witnessed by Deputy President William Ruto.
The attacks started again two months ago.
Political leaders led by Laxama Kiptoo said many people had been killed by bandits in the last month, causing panic among residents. Many have fled, fearing more attacks.
“We are tired of the killings of innocent people. We are urging CS Fred Matiang'i to take decisive action and deal with the violence," Kiptoo said.
Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Wesley Rotich said they asked Interior Fred CS Matiang'i to strengthen security and disarm the bandits.
He urged Matiang'i to issue shoot-to-kill orders against the bandits.
Former Police Inspector General David Kimaiyo says increased infiltration of small arms and ammunition is the main cause of the recent resurgence of banditry in the Kerio Valley.
Kimaiyo says the government should come up with a plan to mop up the small arms in the hands of communities, either forcibly or voluntarily.
He said banditry had held back development in affected counties for more than 60 years.
"The time has come for the government to implement some of the recommendations on how to end banditry in the Kerio Valley region," Kimaiyo said.
The ex-IG who chaired the small-arms focal point team said banditry had caused life to stall in the region. The government should order communities to surrender illegal arms voluntarily within a period of amnesty, he said.
“If the amnesty period does not work, then the state will have to come in with means of getting the arms forcibly," Kimaiyo said.
The banditry affects villages along the border between West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties.
Governors John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot), Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Stanley Kiptis (Baringo) have been engaging in joint peace forums but the attacks continue.
They continued even after CS Matiang'i toured the region and issued an ultimatum to the bandits to surrender illegal arms or be dealt with.
“The ultimatum issued by Matiang'i has expired and it seems the criminals ignored him. It's time he should act and flush them out because our people want peace and nothing else," Kiptoo said.
(Edited by V. Graham)
