Baringo security boss orders for ‘killing’ of bandits

Baringo County commissioner Peter Okwanyo has issued a shoot to kill order to bandits, arsonists, cattle rustlers and illegal firearm holders.

Speaking on Thursday on his tour to the volatile Loruk where he accompanied Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, Women Representative Grace Kiptui and the security team, Mr Okwaya said that the assailants who disturb peace among the residents will not be tolerated anymore.

He authorized police officers to shoot anyone stealing livestock, whether in possession of a firearm or not, and also anyone found with an illegal firearm will be shot with immediate effect.

He added that lives will not be lost at the expense of a few rebels.

Cautioning those responsible for torching houses and bandits who ambush motorists plying the Loruk-Marigat road, he noted that they will be shot dead on the spot.

Former chief killed by bandits

The county commissioner’s sentiments come amid tension in the area following the murder of a retired chief by bandits on Sunday. Several business premises were also torched.

The Sunday morning episode occurred when the 63 year old former chief, Wilson Chebungei, was attacked by an unknown number of bandits and shot dead.

However, the local leaders unanimously moved in to resolve the conflict among the two Turkana and Pokot warring communities and appealed to the residents to remain calm and avoid revenge attacks which will fuel more animosity.

The spate of attacks come barely two weeks after leaders from Samburu, Turkana, West Pokot and Baringo counties held a peace caravan to preach peace in the pastoralist communities in the North Rift region.