Uncertainty has reigned in Cheptulel and Chesegon areas along the West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet border point following fresh attacks after eight months of relative peace in the restive Kerio Valley region.
On Saturday, a national Police Reservist (NPR) Clement Pkiror awas killed by suspected bandits from Elgeyo Marakwet County at Arpollo trading center.
Mr Pkiror is among few people who had returned in the area after he had migrated from the area three years ago and stayed in Lomut area following increased spate of banditry and cattle rustling activities in the area.
This comes after three people were killed last week in the Tot- Kolowa area.
The situation has displaced residents and has become a challenge to the ongoing resettlement program that was going on in Cheptulel and Chesegon areas.
Last month, Beatrice Askul, the Cabinet Secretary for ASAL (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands), and regional development visited Cheptulel area in bid to resettle displaced people.
Close to 800 households are affected after attacks become rampant.
Two years ago, several schools in the area closed indefinitely, as teachers and students fled for safety.
The violence left hundreds of children out of school, with residents appealing for urgent government intervention to restore peace and stability in the region.
Residents in the area now stay in fear over the attacks that have left villages deserted and trading centers closed.
Residents who spoke to the press on Sunday called on the Government to mop up all illegal guns in the region, saying that the killers are known and should be nabbed.
“We don’t want blanket condemnation because we only have a few criminals. We need justice for perpetrators to be accountable. We are saddened about the rampant killings,” Eric Sang, a resident, said.
Rofina Raymond, a resident, said they had stayed in peace for a long time. “We were frightened about the incidents. The perpetrators are known by names. Baringo incidents are contributing to these occurrences,” she said.
Elijah Kasenye Nguriareng, a retired chief said that they are saddened about the perennial killings. “Let the killers be killed or taken to jail for life,” he said.
Prisca Limatuya from the Pokot, Turkana Marakwet Women (POTUMA) leaders, asked residents to shun retaliatory attacks.
“The widow whose husband was killed is a member of POTUMA. She has now remained alone as a widow due to banditry. How shall we come back to this place if there is no peace? Even schools have reopened but how will our children learn? Let the Government give security priority,” she said.
She called on interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to intervene. “Illegal guns are in the hands of civilians. Let the Government take the guns,” she said.
Godfrey Kakuko from the Lebei area said mango farmers and traders in the area incur losses as traders from other regions stopped visiting the area.
He said their business has gone down as they can’t move freely in the area. “It is hard to move around when carrying passengers.”
Kelvin Mweutich, a peace coordinator, called CS Murkomen to visit the area. He blamed the Government over laxity.
“There are no posho mills operating, the only Chemist has been shut down .There are no women and children in the area,” said Mweutich.
Mweutich said that the affected people need aid in terms of food, shelter and medical support.
“We appeal to the national Government, The Kenya Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations to quickly move in and support .The Government should come in with urgent intervention to ensure the safety of school children,” he said.
County Government officers who visited the home of the deceased, led by David Chepelion Peace Chief officer in West Pokot County, called on the Government to put National Police Reservists (NPR) in schools which have reopened.
“We need at least 10 NPRs in each school. The incidences are happening because it has taken long to nab the culprits. Learners of Cheptulel Boys high school who were learning from Surumben primary school for the last three years came back to their school. Arpollo, St Mary Cheptutel Girls, Cheptulel boys and girl’s schools and all primary schools reopened but now there is fear. We need security beefed up in learning institutions,” he said.
Pokot Central Sub County Police Commandant (OCPD) Nelson Omwenga who is leading the security team in the area noted that they are still on the ground to make sure residents stay safe and graze their livestock.
“We shall mop up all illegal guns. Those in possession of illegal guns should surrender them. We will not allow illegal firearms .The Government is on them,” he said.
