Increasing banditry attacks in the Kerio Valley have sparked fear and tension among residents, even as the government has intensified efforts to halt the resurgence of the vice in affected counties.
Catholic Bishop Dominic Kimengich has called on the government to curb the re-emergence of banditry in the region.
“The return of banditry is unacceptable and we urge the security teams deployed in that region to do everything possible to protect our people at all times,” Kimengich said.
He urged residents to support government efforts to restore security.
This comes as the death toll from the recent bandit attack in Chemoi, Baringo North, has risen to two, with eight people injured, including National Police Reservists.
Last week, bandits killed a woman and injured three others along the Marigat–Tangulbei road.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has made several visits to the region for security meetings and ordered a fresh vetting process for police reservists after some were accused of going rogue.
The state has deployed over 1,000 reservists in counties classified as disturbed, including Baringo, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Turkana, where 16 people have been killed since January.
The CS said 21 people were killed in banditry attacks reported between January and March.
The deceased include a police officer, eight civilians and 12 suspects, as compared to 58 who died in the same period last year.
“These significant gains are attributed to the concerted efforts of our security officers, including the National Police Service, working in close collaboration,” he said in a statement.
The first-quarter security report covering January to March 2025 indicated a decrease in cases of banditry and stock theft.
During the period, 167 cases of stock theft were recorded, compared to 263 in the same period in 2024.
During the period under review, a total of 4,935 livestock were stolen, compared to 8,557 in the same period in 2024.
“Our security teams are still confronted by challenges in the fight against banditry, including the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons and the commercialisation of banditry through readily available markets for stolen livestock,” he said.
“There is also political interference and incitement, competition for water and pasture during periods of drought, and fights over communal land boundaries.”
Poor infrastructure and mobile network coverage, among other challenges, have enhanced criminals’ havens and hindered their apprehension.
Murkomen said the government will set aside resources for infrastructure development, including schools and for provision of better equipment to enable security officers tackle these challenges.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said they are working with the national government to put in place security measures that will stop banditry.
An operation backed by Kenya Defence Forces has been ongoing for two years, with marked progress.
“So far, the KDF-led security operation has recorded good success and we urge that they continue fighting off the remaining individuals disturbing the peace of residents,” Rotich said.
Banditry has for decades been a disturbing security concern in North Rift counties, where hundreds of people have been killed and others maimed.
Two years ago, the government declared the affected counties as disturbed areas and deployed the KDF to lead a security operation against the bandits.
Although KDF deployment significantly reduced the attacks, these have resurfaced in the last few weeks, sparking concerns over the possible return of the vice.
Since January, 16 people have been killed by bandits and 28 injured.
