Matiang'i pledges to end Kerio Valley killings

Interior CS Fred Matiang'i on Wednesday met with the families of the school children who were recently murdered at Tot, Marakwet.

He was accompanied by the Police Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai and senior security officers from National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and the National Police Service.

"Those we have lost can never be replaced. But we will act decisively to end the anguish once and for all," the CS said.

He pointed out that there was no justification for the unfortunate events that happened in Kerio Valley.

The visit came after three children and a herder were shot dead by bandits in the area, on May 29.

The pupils, aged between seven and 12 years, were playing at the Tot Primary School playing ground when bandits attacked.

Matiang'i expressed his condolences adding that such acts of spilling children's lives were forbidden even in traditional warfare.

"It's heart-rending listening to the pained narratives of mothers and families who have lost their children."

So far, more than 2,000 children in Kerio Valley have dropped out of school after their parents fled the region due to banditry attacks. 

Marakwet area is among the areas that the National Government has imposed 12-hour curfews on, to help build peace.

“We have tried all means including dialogue without success but now we will act with the full force of the law," Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Maalim Mohamed said on Tuesday.

The curfew began on June 7.