Bandits launch deadly attack in Kerio Valley after DP Ruto’s visit

Barely a day after Deputy President William Ruto visited the troubled Kerio valley in Elgeyo Marakwet, suspected armed Pokot raiders on Friday launched another attack.

The raiders said to be over 60 invaded Kaben location with the intention to steal livestock but were repulsed only a day after the DP addressed a security meeting in the region.

Local residents said Kenya Police Reservists (KPRs) engaged the raiders in a fierce gun battle forcing them to abandon their mission.

"We are worried of the raiders who even defy heavy police presence and are not scared of the DP warning to deal ruthlessly with the perpetrators," said Richard Ruto, a local resident.

He said police officers were also late to arrive at the scene adding that raiders were three kilometers into the Marakwet territory.

"We alerted security officers in time that the raiders were planning to attack us but they did not act," he said.

Area deputy county commissioner Eric Wamulevu absolved the security officers from any blame.

"We sent officers immediately we received the information about the attack and our officers together with the KPR managed to thwart them," said the administrator.

He said patrols have been intensified in the entire Kerio Valley where over 30 people have lost their lives this year in cattle rustling related raids

While addressing residents on Thursday the Deputy President said the Government will with immediate effect deploy 40 Kenya Police Reservists in each of the two sub counties; Marakwet East and Tiaty. In Tiaty he said four more police stations would be built besides increasing the number of police officers in the area.

''It is a shame that this region has continued to witness cases of cattle rustling despite efforts by the Government together with local leaders to foster peace co-existence through peace meetings,''Ruto said.

The deputy president regretted the ongoing insecurity in the region which he said was undermining development gains witnessed in the past.

''I am appealing to the entire Kerio Valley residents to play their security responsibility by reporting culprits in their midst who are perpetrating cattle rustling issues,'' he said.