At least 61 families translating to 500 people who fled their homes following continued banditry attacks in Mochongoi Division of Baringo County, have benefitted from food aid from well-wishers.
The families had fled their homes over fears of attacks by heavily armed bandits, who have wreaked havoc in Lemaiywe, Kasiela and Kapkichir villages in Baringo County.
A section of residents fled to Mochongoi and Kabel Shopping Centres, while others have sought refuge in Marigat area, where they are being housed by relatives and friends.
However, according to Mochongoi Assistant County Commissioner, Robert Kiti, normalcy was returning albeit slowly, following the heavy deployment of multi-agency security officers to restore order and also flush out the bandits.
He called on the affected families to return back to their homes as the government puts efforts to address the security challenges.
“We continue to encourage these families to return to their homes because a multi-agency operation has been ongoing making it safe for them to return to their homes and livelihoods,” Kiti added.
Speaking while delivering food aid to the families at Lamaiywe Dispensary, Esther Maina, the Peace and Reconciliation Coordinator at the St. Martin Catholic Social Apostolate, said that the aid was facilitated by well-wishers to support those affected by the banditry attacks.
“We were notified of the need in the area and collaborated with partners to bring food items to these people. With more assistance, we will reach more of these vulnerable people and ensure that they are taken care of by offering counselling services as well as we wait for the attacks to be quelled so that they can return home,” Maina added.
She appealed for more help to the families since the majority of them, have no place to call home since their homes have been vandalized and livestock stolen, thereby, losing their livelihoods.
The residents lauded the support and called on the government to reassure them of their safety.
By Rahab Naimutie
