Armed bandits on Tuesday raided a village in Baringo North and rustled 242 goats. Reports show that gunmen attacked residents during the burial arrangements for Vincent Tuwit, 24 and 65-year-old Kipkenei Kimurio who were killed in separate attacks in Yatia and Kisumet villages last week.
Yatia location chief Jackson Keitany said on Wednesday, “The grieving families had met at around 7pm to organise the burial of their loved ones, shortly after the bandits stormed in and shot in the air to disperse the mourners.”
Keitany said the heavily armed bandits overpowered the Rapid Deployment Unit officers in Kagir before taking off with the 242 goats.
He said the livestock belonging to Reuben Kangogo (130), Rael Chebon (62) and Wilson Chepkeres (50), were driven towards Tiaty West.
Last week, the bandits killed Tuwit and escaped with 48 head of his cattle towards Tiaty while mzee Kimurio was killed while he was making dinner.
David Lomul, a resident in Kisumet said the rising cases of violence are disturbing, adding that the criminals are not even sparing the bereaved.
“They want to destabilise and cause more trauma and confusion,” he said.
On Wednesday, Baringo North OCPD Fredrick Odinga said he was heading to the area to ascertain the banditry attacks.
“I will bring back full information once I am back but I urge residents to remain calm as we try put measures to contain the situation,” he said.
Residents said they did not have a peaceful Christmas as the bandits raided and frequently threatened their peace with gunshots.
Last year alone, over 80 people were killed, others displaced and thousands of animals stolen by bandits in West Pokot, Elgeyo-Marakwet and Baringo counties.
It is believed that more than 6,000 illegal guns still lie in the hands of civilians in North Rift while the government withdrew the National Police Reservists.
Schools in Chepkesin, Kisumet, Chepkew and Kapng’etio have been closed down indefinitely while learning takes place partially in Toboroi, Kapturo, Chemoe, yatya, Kagir, Yatya, Ng’aratuko and Loruk.
Elected leaders from Baringo have also been accused of keeping mum leaving their people to suffer from bandits attacks.
Residents have tried in vain, requesting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to tour the area and address the matter.
Hundreds of residents have fled their homes for safer locations like Sibilo, Buruyo, Bartabwa and Rimo villages.