In a span of one week, eight people have been killed and about 1,500 families displaced from their homes in Samburu West Constituency, Samburu County as banditry and cattle rustling attacks continue unabated.
Five primary schools have been shut down and hundreds of livestock stolen even as the government launched a security operation two weeks ago involving the military to flush out attackers, seize illegal firearms, and end the cycle of violence.
Armoured Personnel Carriers were also dispatched to hot spots in the North Rift region. And military choppers have been conducting regular aerial surveillance.
The attacks have continued even after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki stated that the government will ensure the security agencies maintain their presence in the region, even once the ongoing operation come to an end.
However, despite the assurance and heavy presence of the security forces that include the Rapid Deployment Unit, General Service Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit and general duty offices, bandits have continued to terrorise residents.
On Wednesday, a 90-year-old man was killed by bandits in Pura village and three goats he was herding stolen. Residents have fled their homes in Lolkera, Pura, Sepei, Loibornkare and Lkeek Sapuki due to insecurity.
Five primary schools - Nkorsas, Pura, Sepei, Lorian and Lolkera - have been closed down after teachers and pupils fled for dear life.
At least eight civilians have been killed, four security officers injured in just one week.
On Friday, Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit, who visited the displaced families camping at Loosuk trading centre, said the attackers who have invaded the area were hiding at a place called Malaso Valley.
"They are the same bandits have been terrorising residents in Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana and Baringo counties. They have the stolen livestock with them and I appeal to the security forces to flush them out of Malaso valley," he said.
Loosuk ward representative Felix Kaunda, who accompanied the governor, said that the situation has worsened and people who have migrated to the center were in need of food aid.
"It's a worrying trend that even with the heavy presence of security forces, we still have criminals hiding in a valley with stolen animals. They attack at will and now our people have no peace. The government should use air support to flush them out," he said.
Michael Lenamparasio, a resident of Lolkera, said those displaced from their home had land ownership documents and must be offered adequate security to enjoy their rights as land owners.
Peris Lekutukai, a mother of five, fled her hom in Lolkera village due to frequent attacks. She said Pokot bandits have made it a habit of attacking their home even after driving away all their animals.
The Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan said the situation of being contained.
"We have officers on the ground. The situation is being contained," he said.
