One police officer was shot dead on Sunday when bandits attacked Chepkesin, Baringo North sub-county.
Area police boss Fred Odinga said the officer, David Omondi, was in the company of his colleagues during a routine security patrol when the attack happened.
“There was fierce exchange of fire before we unfortunately we lost our officer in the process,” Odinga said.
He said the officers were helping to repulse armed bandits who were illegally grazing and watering their animals in the area.
The bandits are suspected to have crossed over from the neighbouring subcounty.
Due to drought, local communities are forced to migrate across the borders with their livestock in search of water and pasture.
Six cows were also reported to have been killed during the gunfire and hundreds of residents fearing for their lives were forced to flee.
“The valley is marred with poor roads and communication network so we will update with more information once we receive it,” the police boss said.
Tension is high in the area as children, women and the elderly were forced to trek over 15 kilometres to camp at Kisumet and Bartabwa.
“We heard the gunshots and while we were trying to shout as we approach to scare away the bandits, they turned their guns to shoot at us,” resident David Lomul said.
Residents urged the government to restore calm urgently.
“We have got nowhere to run to, we wonder why the government left us to face the spray of all these illegal bullets,” resident Jenifer Kandagor said.
Chepkesin Primary School was closed due to insecurity two years ago, forcing children to stay home.
Last month, a KDF soldier born in the area was buried after being shot while helping to repulse bandits in Laikipia.
Earlier, four people, including the then Ng’orora location chief Thomas Toktok, primary school teacher and two herders were killed in the area.
Bartabwa ward MCA Reuben Chepsongol said the residents have had sleepless nights for the last two weeks as the bandits put up and graze their livestock in the nearby bushes.
“It is high time the government gets serious and helps tame banditry in the area so my people can enjoy peace,” he said.
This comes barely a three weeks after elders from the Tugen, Pokot, Ilchamus and Marakwet communities held a ritual to curse the bandits at Katuwit near Loruk in Baringo North.
Edited by CM
