Bandits stage two more attacks in Kerio despite curfew

Bandits staged two more attacks in Kerio Valley even after security teams were deployed to enforce the 12-hour night curfew issued by Interior CS Fred Matiang'i.

Matiang'i in a gazette notice on Friday banned the movement of individuals or groups in affected areas between 6pm and 6am.

The armed bandits twice attacked Kabetwa areas in Marakwet East where two people were injured and hundreds of animals stolen.

The raids came as church leaders in the region joined efforts to restore peace as the country heads to the general election next year.

Catholic Bishop of Eldoret Dominic Kimengich said they would join leaders to help restore peace as he called on the youth to stop engaging in banditry.

“We have to tell our youth that banditry is wrong. Killing people to steal animals is immoral and must stop,” Bishop Kimengich said.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos has been urging the church to participate in peacebuilding in Kerio Valley.

Speaking during the official opening of St Peter's Kipsoen Catholic in Kamariny ward last month, the county chief reiterated the need for leaders to join hands in fighting insecurity, which he said has affected the region's economic growth. 

Tolgos said evangelism and inter-denominational prayers could be an alternative mechanism to reaching out to young people and persuading them to turn away from crime.

He said cattle rustling and banditry could be eradicated completely if some communities embraced civilisation. 

"Even as the law enforcement agencies deal with criminal elements who bring about insecurity, we call on our churches to intervene by preaching peace so that those who will accept may repent and change their ways," he said.

Tolgos challenged religious leaders to come together and join the government in seeking lasting solutions for peace along the boundaries of Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and West Pokot counties.

"Lasting peace will only be realised through community engagement and social interactions and not by creating a rift between the communities,” he said. 

The bishop on the other hand urged political leaders to avoid uttering inflammatory statements that cause animosity among communities.

"As we are approaching the political season, I urge politicians to embrace peace. We will play our part in preaching peace, we ask the politicians to do the same," he said. 

Matiang'i issued the extended curfew orders banning all movement in areas affected by banditry in parts of West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties.

The extended curfew orders which started on August 7 will run for two months.

The CS said the orders had been put in place in view of the serious threat posed to security and public order by disturbances occurring in the affected area of the three counties.

The order applies to several areas including Kolowa and Ngoron divisions in Tiaty, Baringo county, Tot and Chesongoch divisions in Marwket East subcounty and Sekerot and Cheptulel locations of Pokot Central, West Pokot county.

Elgeyo Marakwet county commissioner Omar Hassan said the curfew orders were being enforced fully and those found defying them would be dealt with.

“The orders are aimed at ensuring we deal with criminals who have been terrorising residents in the affected areas,” said Omar, adding that insecurity has affected learning in some schools in the area including at Tot primary and secondary schools.

The curfew will enable police to tackle insecurity in Kerio Valley where at least 10 people have been killed by bandits in the last three weeks.

“Under the order, there shall be no public gatherings, processions or movements either alone or as a group except if permitted in writing by the Inspector General of Police,” said Matiangi’s order.

Killings along the borders of the three counties following renewed banditry attacks has seen the government issue a notice to criminals to surrender or face arrest.

Leaders in the region have demanded that Matiang'i takes action to stop the killings and end the insecurity that has paralysed life in the Kerio Valley region for long.

Security experts are calling for long term and more effective measures that will help end decades of banditry in Kerio Valley that has led to death and destruction of property.

Former IG David Kimaiyo and retired chief Ben Kiptoo said the government must look into the problem of underdevelopment and lack of schools in some of the counties affected by the banditry attacks.

-Edited by SKanyara