By Wanja Waweru
As a result of ongoing killings in the Kerio Valley area and the government’s failed attempts to rein in rogue forces, professionals from the Pokot community have taken to the streets in protest.
Since the year began, new attacks have resulted in more than 10 fatalities, the theft of hundreds of animals, and the displacement of numerous families.
Three persons were slain by alleged bandits from Elgeyo-Marakwet County just last week. In a midday incident in the Akiriamet village, Chesegon area, two people were murdered and one was critically injured, while one person was slain close to Cheptulel Boys High School. Over thirty goats were taken.
Schools have closed as a result of the unrest, which has halted growth. Chesegon, Cheptulel, Arpollo, Sabulmoi, Cheratat, Tilakai, and Chemalei primary schools, as well as Cheptulel Boys, Sarimach, and Cheptulel Girls, are among the local schools that have been impacted by instability.
The experts alleged that Elgeyo-Marakwet received more security personnel and weapons from the government than West Pokot, accusing the administration of partiality in these actions.
They also faulted security organs for laxity and complicity amid the escalating killings.
“The Chesegon peace accord has not been honoured. They should implement (former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred) Matiang’i orders of Tot 2021 in Kerio Valley. We need justice in West Pokot for people who have been killed by bandits. We want our stolen cattle returned,” said former Lomut ward rep Helen Madio.
“We have entered into a new year with tragedies. We as mothers are devastated and feel pain for losing our children every month. We need a police post at Chesegon, Sewer, Sabulmoi and Seketow. If this is hard, we had better move away and become refugees. Prof (Kithure) Kindiki you promised beef security. In Marakwet there is a police post in Liter and armoured vehicles but not in West Pokot,” she added
