Residents of Chemoe and Yatia in lower parts of Baringo North have urged the national government to beef up security along Chemoe-Yatia- Loruk road following increased cases of attacks by armed bandits.
The residents led by village elder Richard Chepchomei lamented that several people especially those riding on boda bodas have suffered greatly as a result of the persistent day time attacks by the heavily armed bandits suspected to be from the neighbouring Tiaty.
Chepchomei cited an attack on Monday this week by three bandits who intercepted a boda boda ferrying three young men headed to Nginyang market where they robbed them of all the cash at gun point after shooting at headlight of the motorcycle.
The criminals, Chepchomei stated, robbed the young men of Sh 30,000, phones, shoes and all clothes leaving them stark naked while lying down as they disappeared across the rugged hills into the neighbouring sub county.
Three weeks ago, he added, the criminals, who always strike in the morning particularly on Monday and Thursday when people are going to Nginyang and Marigat livestock auction markets, erected makeshift road block at a sharp bend on the road and robbed a blind teacher, his guide and the rider of all their belongings.
The village elder who is also a peace committee member claimed that in all the over 20 attacks nobody has been arrested and stolen properties recovered.
He accused chiefs in Chemuro, Seretio and Chesirimion of Tiaty East Sub County of not cooperating in identifying those behind the attacks and robberies on innocent people moving about their business activities.
“This Chemoe-Yatia-Loruk feeder road is the only route used by local people to access the two markets in Nginyang and Marigat. These constant attacks has made life to our people very difficult. We challenge Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Loruk, to step up day and night patrols,” he stated.
Confirming the attacks, Baringo North Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Joseph Obwocha condemned perpetrators of the incessant attacks who he said ambush passengers on boda bodas at a certain bend on the bushy and narrow road.
Obwocha told KNA on telephone that the attacks had gone down but he does not understand why it has recurred.
He assured area residents that security personnel on foot and motor vehicles will patrol the busy murram road day and night to ensure people and their properties are protected.
The Deputy County Commissioner asked chiefs from areas the criminals are said to hail from to increase intelligence surveillance for the armed criminals to be apprehended and arraigned in court.
By Joshua Kibet
