One person has been killed, a GSU officer injured and three raped in different parts of Chepyuk settlement scheme in Mt Elgon.
Criminals have wreaked so much havoc in the area that Bungoma County leaders have demanded solutions when Deputy President William Ruto tours on Saturday.
A man was shot dead at his home in Sambocho area on Thursday night by gangsters who had AK 47 rifles. His wife and two daughters were raped by the attackers who later disappeared into Mt Elgon Forest with one of the girls.
The family's neighbor said the attackers wanted money.
Police officer Mukung Wereka, who was on leave in Makutano area, was shot and left in a critical condition when he tried to repulse the criminals using his pistol.
He was taken to Bungoma County Referral Hospital.
As a result, officers in the Rapid Deployment Unit
mounted operations in the scheme on Friday morning and gunned down one of the criminals.
Speaking to the Star, Deputy County Commissioner Ewoton Kinyajui said the killed man was in a gang of 10.
“We are in pursuit of others. We have divided our teams into two to ensure we bring down all the criminals who have terrorised residents for the past three months."
Residents of Sirai village in Chepyuk, Mt Elgon constituency, at the home where six people were killed amid a wave of crimes, February 19, 2018. /JOHN NALIANYA
SUSPECT WAS SLDF COMMANDER
The killed gangster was identified
as Isaac Mukwawa a former commander of the Sabaot Land Defence Force.
He was shot dead in a heavy exchange of fire with APs
from Kamagul camp
at Kamuneru Forest. The RDU and General Service Unit are also taking part in the operation that has seen them fire shots at Kamuneru, Sambojo, Masaek anfd Land B areas.
They surrounded the forest as it is believed the criminals are hiding there.
Police stepped up their operations as gangsters have killed seven people and injured several others this week alone.
They had denied reports that the militia group was involved. SLDF's reign of terror lasted from 2002 to 2007 when the
military and police crushed it.
Its leader Wyclife Matwekei and several other commanders were killed while others were arrested and charged.
Area MP Fred Kapondi was also arrested and arraigned for allegedly being a leader of the group but the case was dismissed for lack evidence.
His predecessor and arch rival John Serut was named in the report of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission for allegedly funding miltia in the area.
Two of the commanders of the outlawed group have been on the run since police issues alerts that termed them "most wanted criminals".
Titus Kiptanui alias Chebrakach and Sichei Chemamaik, a former Recce Squad officer, are believed to have trained SLDF members.
FEARS OF REVENGE ATTACKS
Residents who spoke to the Star on condition of anonymity expressed worry that the militants could be regrouping because those who were charged were freed.
“Those who were arrested during the military operation have slowly been acquitted while others completed their jail terms," one said.
The people are worried that the criminals could be planning revenge attacks.
Paul Chemingwa, a Nyumba Kumi leader in Cheptais, recommended that those previously involved with SDLF's activities be profiled and monitored by security agencies so matters do not get out of hand.
“The criminals whose groups were dismantled by the military are now back in the villages. Most of them had hidden their guns in the forests and have taken them back. They should be profiled afresh."
Area political activist Amos Chemabus asked Ruto to first tour the constituency before heading to Sirisia.
'We are appealing to our brother Ruto, a member of the Kalenjin community who are the majority in Mt Elgon, to first visit Chebyuk and other parts of Mt Elgon before going to Sirisia for first hand information on how bad the situation is," he told The Star by phone.
Chemabus said the situation has worsened and that they cannot keep losing lives as the government watches.
He asked residents to cooperate with police for the arrest of gangsters living among them.
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