Six deaths in a week as bandits rain terror in Kerio

The death toll from bandit attacks in Kerio Valley rose to six in one week after three more residents were shot dead.

The latest three victims were killed on Tuesday by suspected Pokot bandits at Arror and Kabetwa, triggering  angry reactions from leaders in Elgeyo Marakwet led by Deputy Governor Wesley Rotich.

“Death is hanging over our heads. Security officers can no longer help as they have been reduced to collecting bodies from the killing fields in the Valley of Death,” Rotich said in a statement.

On Monday two other people had been killed in Marakwet West. There are growing fears that the attacks may undermine elections in the region.

A sixth man, a teacher, was buried on Saturday.

Marakwet West deputy county commissioner Mathias Chishiambo said 10 armed gunmen suspected to be from Tiaty West subounty shot and killed two people.

He said the two had been identified as Kelvin Kimutai Yego, aged 17 years, who was herding goats, and a boda boda rider named Kiprop arap Loyolokiii and aged 20,  who was riding from Kapsowar.

“The incident happened along Arror-Tunyo Road. No livestock was stolen by the gunmen,” Chisiambo said.

Rotich said as leaders they would not tire or stop condemning the killings and calling out on the Ministry of the Interior to fulfil its mandate and protect desperate residents of Kerio Valley.

The police Land Cruisers are now solely used to collect bodies of the young, old,women and children sprayed by gunshots.

“The police and the community have turned out to be 'undertakers' handling bodies of our loved ones,” Rotich said.

He said it remained a mystery where bandits get the bravado and the bullets to kill and maim in broad daylight and escape scot-free.

Governor Alex Tolgos said he had communicated with CS for Interior Fred Matiang'i asking him to act with speed.

But Rotich said the buck stops at the President's doorstep.

“He has abdicated his duty to protect us. Never in my life have I seen such barbaric and heartless officials heading the security docket in this country,” Rotich said.

“We will ensure they are brought to book and we are working with local communities to identify them as soon as possible,” Chisiambo said.

Marakwet West MP William Kisang and his Marakwet East counterpart Kangogo Bowen deplored the latest incidents were undermining efforts to foster peace in Kerio Valley.

“We are working round the clock for peace and unity of our people and it’s unfortunate that the attack happened as we were just about to have a peace meeting in the area," Kisang said.

Rotich said they were engaging with elders, church leaders and government agencies to help maintain peace in the volatile region ahead of the August 9 polls.

“We have structures for elders and even church leaders with whom we are working to strengthen peace and security in the region,” Rotich said. He said insecurity had for many years undermined development activities in the Kerio Valley region.

“Moving forward we will have to look into long term solutions that will once and for all end banditry so that our people can enjoy peace and development like other Kenyans,” Rotich said.

(Edited by V. Graham)