Uasin Gishu: Gang hits homes in night of terror

Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Johnstone Ipara (centre). Police say they have one suspect in custody

Residents of a village on the outskirts of Eldoret town are living in fear of a gang that broke into five homes on Wednesday night.

The armed criminals left terrified villagers in their wake as they demanded money before making away with household goods and electronic items.

“I was awakened by a loud bang on the door. The gang that was armed with sharp objects and very bright torches broke into my home and injured my two sons in the midnight attack that lasted about 25 minutes," said Paul Kiptoo.

The residents of Greenfields Kiburgei in Soy Constituency yesterday convened an emergency meeting where they expressed fears the criminals could take advantage of the 7pm-5am curfew to terrorise them even further.

Even as they shared their ordeals, residents from the neighbouring Sogomo area in Chepkoilel also revealed the existence of another gang that had been carrying out burglaries over the past two weeks.

Joyce Kirotich, a resident, said they had been living in fear and urged the national government to establish a police post in the area.

Lilian Kimeto, who chairs the Nyumba Kumi initiative in Kalyet village, said security was deteriorating and expressed fear that criminals may take advantage of the shutdown.

“Measures should be taken to contain insecurity. If such attacks occur during curfew, who will respond to our calls for help,” asked Ms Kimeto.

Uasin Gishu County Commander Johnstone Ipara confirmed that criminals had broken into five houses and stolen household items that included electronics, carpets, gas cylinders, bedding and curtains.

During the course of the robbery, Mr Ipara said, the gang had injured one villager who was admitted at the Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret.

The police boss said they were notified of the incident at around 3am and immediately launched a manhunt, which resulted in the arrest of a man said to be the gang's ring leader.

“Upon searching the suspect's home at Kamukunji area, we recovered four television sets, two carpets, a home theatre, four pieces of curtains, three 6kg gas cylinders, four pairs of shoes and several bedding. The suspect is in custody and is assisting with investigations,” said Ipara.