Residents living in insecurity prone areas of Baringo County have been warned against pursuing their stolen livestock without the help of National Police Reservists (NPR).
Speaking at a funeral of a man killed by bandits in Baringo North, leaders led by governor Stanley Kiptis advised the residents to avoid the practice as many have lost their lives going after stolen livestock.
The governor said his administration was rooting for peaceful coexistence among the pastoralists communities and believes they will be successful in the endevour.
He also said he was lobbying for enhancement of communication in the insecurity prone areas so that crime can be communicated quickly for law enforcers to take swift action.
“I have already approached mobile phone providers to erect network masts in the entire lowland region where insecurity is rampant to improve communication services which will aid in conveying information during incidences of attack,” said the Baringo Governor.
While condoling the bereaved family of Reuben Rutto who is survived with 13 children, Kiptis said the county cannot afford to lose more lives due to cattle rustling and banditry saying he has organized a meeting for the affected communities in order to discuss the next course of action to avoid similar scenario.
Kiptis challenged the residents to embrace modern farming techniques such as rearing exotic livestock breeds which cannot be driven for long distances by raiders.
Former MCA for Barwessa ward Joseph Makilap warned the residents that bandits were well armed hence they need reinforcement from NPR to avoid being intimidated or killed while pursuing stolen animals.
Makilap blamed security organs in the County for not responding swiftly in case of a raid reported to them, a situation which forces the residents themselves to pursue their stolen livestock alone putting their lives at stake.
He also blamed the local leaders from the warring Tugen, Ilchamus and Pokot communities living in the County for remaining mum over incidences of cattle rustling and banditry in the region.
The former Barwesa Ward representative said the affected Tugen residents were reluctant to dialogue with their Pokot neighbours because many peaceful meetings organized in the region have never born any fruits in eliminating the vice.
“ People are reluctant because they have not realized any fruits of several peace meetings held in the past, banditry has become a thorn in the flesh of these residents since time immemorial,” added the vocal leader.
The late Ruben Rutto was killed by armed bandits in Ngaratuko area a week ago while pursuing his stolen 50 herds of cattle by suspected raiders from the neighbouring Tiaty constituency.
Other leaders who attended the burial were Saimo Soi MCA Richard Cheserem, area assistant chief Samuel Kamuren and local church leaders.
By Benson Kelio and Christopher Kiprop
