Give up illegal arms, says Kimaiyo

By Vincent Mabatuk

BARINGO, KENYA: Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo on Thursday toured cattle rustling-prone parts of Baringo County and announced a disarmament exercise in the region.

Speaking at Arabal, Kimaiyo also directed senior security officers in the region to launch investigation into recent raids and all those found responsible prosecuted.

At some point, residents threatened to storm out a security meeting accusing Tiaty MP Asman Kamama of being behind their troubles.

But Kimaiyo defended him, saying the MP supported peace meetings between the police and legislators from the county.

He was accompanied by his two deputies Grace Kahindi and Samuel Arachi. Baringo County Senator Gideon Moi and the Governor Benjamin Cheboi, and area legislators were also present.

Others were Baringo North MP William Cheptumo and Grace Kipchoim.

Cheptumo’s constituency is among the worst affected by the cattle raiders menace. Early this year three police officers were shot dead by suspected raiders in Baringo North and livestock stolen.

14 killed

The attacks have led to the death of 14 people in Arabal Location in Marigat District alone, while nine others, among them is area Assistant Chief Grishon Kogo, were injured.

During the attacks, 5,267 goats and sheep, 559 head of cattle and 13 donkeys were stolen.

Because of the insecurity, 18 schools have been closed with 1,697 children forced to stay out of classroom. Kapindasum and Ngelecha dispensaries were also shut down.

The deadly attacks have also rendered 698 households homeless, with 4,257 people camping in the neighbouring Laikipia County, Mogotio, Marigat and parts of Kabarnet town.

On Thursday, Kimaiyo also met leaders from the Pokot, Tugen and Ilchamus communities in Loruk to discuss the problem, which has threatened development in the region.

The Inspector General also addressed a peace meeting in Tangulbei in East Pokot before proceeding to his last meeting at Arabal in Marigat district.