Terror in Elgeyo Marakwet: I watched my husband die

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Families flee Koitilial, Elgeyo Marakwet, after bandits killed two people and stole animals on Sunday. [Christopher Kipsang, Standard]

When guns went silent after a three-hour attack on Sunday afternoon, Koitilial Trading Centre was left scarred.

The following morning, most families gathered a few of their belongings, including livestock, and left their homes.

It was even harder for Ms Judy Kipruto, whose husband Mr Edwin Chelimo was among the two people killed in the banditry attack.

At their home in Koitilial, villagers were braving the tension to console the 26-year-old mother of six.

Ms Kipruto recalled how it all happened while she was at her shop with three children. “The day was all fine. We were having a good time with the children and my husband was out herding livestock at the adjacent piece of land,” she said.

At 12.30pm, her husband took the cattle to a watering point a few metres from the shopping centre. But before he could arrive, the raiders ambushed.

“The gunshots were louder and nearer, and I knew that we were under attack from bandits. At that moment I ran out of the shop with the children,” she said.

Realising that she had forgotten to lock the shop, Ms Kipruto ran back. It’s then that she came upon her husband in a pool of blood.

“I saw my husband breathing his last breath. What I saw is still fresh in my mind, I don’t believe he is no more,” she said.

Mr Luke Kimaiyo, the deceased’s brother, said Mr Chelimo was shot in the back and the bullet exited from his chest. Other two bullets hit him on the leg and head.

“My brother died a painful death,” he said.

As fearful residents flee, they are wondering if the government has abandoned them.

Ms Beatrice Kiptanui, 76, said they fled on Sunday night to a cave with her four-year-old grandson and cattle. “We are just fleeing to unknown locations. As long as we are out of the danger of bandits, we are safe. God knows where we will land,” she said.

Another local, Ms Pauline Cheserem, said the family was just wandering along the Koitilial-Matira road with their livestock.

“We are now living at the mercy of God... We expect the government to protect us,” said the 70-year-old.

“Where will we go? Who will welcome us together with our cattle? What will we eat? When will we reunite with our kin?”

Scary scars

The trading centre is now deserted. The scars of the attack are visible; spent cartridges, broken windows and damaged motorbikes. Seven people were injured and about 600 animals stolen in the attack.

Ms Salina Kibowen, who operates a food kiosk, said she had just finished cooking mandazi when the bandits struck.

When she returned after the guns fell silent, the mother of eight found her structure in shambles.

“They took their time, eating everything. They had enough time to even take drinks as we ran for our dear lives,” she said.

The residents said despite heavy security personnel deployed in the area, the attacks have continued.

“We have been attacked several times but the government has taken no action,” said area MCA Mr Neddy Kiptoo.

Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Mr Wesley Rotich said the people of Kerio Valley were crying for help.

He said despite the promises to stop the attacks, no arrests have been made. “This cattle rustling is a  business. Who is supplying bandits with guns and bullets?” he asked.

But County Commander Mr Patrick Lumumba said they have intensified police patrols in the affected areas across Kerio Valley and along the borders of Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and West Pokot counties.

“This nonsense must stop,” he said.