Baringo insecurity should be addressed

By Martin Masinde

Baringo North UDA nominee Hon Joseph Makilap has pointed out security as his priority agenda once given the mandate of leadership.

In an exclusive interview, Mr Makilap decried the lacklustre approach with which the matter has been handled.

“I take this opportunity to express my concern and condemn with the strongest terms possible prevalent banditry attacks, killings, maiming, destruction of property, livestock and livelihoods in Ngaratuko, Saimo Soi. At the moment more than five thousand people are affected. I strongly urge the Government to move with speed to and come up with immediate action measures to curb the increasing banditry in Baringo North once and for all.”

The situation had been worsening by the day, with deaths, injuries and theft of livestock, as we speak we have not buried two people who were killed by bandits a couple of days ago,” Makilap said.

Baringo North constituency is facing a renewed threat from the bandits from the neighboring Marakwet community. The bandits emanate from both Marakwet West and East subcounties. Mr Makilap, a peace champion, restrained the people from any revenge or retaliatory attacks and instead give the security apparatus time to wipe out the criminal elements terrorising the residents.

The insecurity situation has rendered closure of schools and displacement of tens of thousands of people.
“The animosity is being fuelled by bandits from Tiaty who take advantage of the porosity of the border to attack our people,” he added.

He also suspected that the attacks could be influenced by the clamour to have East Pokot as a county hived off and this is the work of the Azimio coalition. “That’s the reason for the attacks, Tiaty has a deal with Azimio to create East Pokot county.”

The heavily armed bandits especially the Marakwets who have been hitting on the Tugens are using highly sophisticated weaponry to carry out the heinous acts. “Never was it heard in history that the Tugens attacked the Pokots, the Tugen are peace-loving citizens,” Mr Makilap added.

They recently shot and killed a P1 teacher who had recently graduated and made away with 141 heads of livestock belonging to seven families. Mr Makilap questions why the security apparatus fail to work in tand with other agencies like the GSU, RDU especially in the prone Kerio Valley which is the transit route for the stolen livestock.

“Unless they are accomplices, I fail to understand why they don’t take stern action against the bandits, despite receiving tip off from members of the public, When faced with the escalating consequences of Banditry and Cattle rustling to a generation of children who have never known peace, we have a duty to act as leaders. All of us. For the children — and for the future of our Constituency.”

Mr Makilap is confident with the leadership of Dr. William Samoei Ruto that he will address the issue once and for all.

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