Four schools closed as bandits reign terror in Baringo

Four schools have been closed in Arabal area, Baringo South after armed bandits attacked several villages on Sunday night injuring at least two people.

Over 100 bandits armed with AK47 rifles are said to have stormed the village at around 6pm shooting randomly at local residents before raiding homesteads to steal cattle.

One of the injured; Charles Kanyarkil, 50, sustained a gunshot wound on the stomach while Joshua Kamarkan, 36, was shot on the chin and right foot.

According to the local residents, over 300 cattle were stolen in the Sunday night attack.

The incident triggered panic in the area leading to the closing of Kapindasm, Arabal, Kasiela and Chemorongion Primary Schools.

The injured were taken to Baringo County Referral Hospital.

Local leaders including Baringo South MP Charles Kamuren, William Cheptumo of Baringo North and East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Jematia Sergon blamed the national government for the current wave of insecurity in the area.

The legislators faulted the government for withdrawing all guns held by National Police Reservists (NPR) officers for fresh vetting and registration, saying the move has left local residents at the mercy of the bandits.

“The same government that withdrew guns from reservists is the same one that recruited them and armed them… Our people are really vulnerable because they have no guns to protect themselves,” said Kamuren.

“People are suffering, people are being attacked, people are bleeding in bushes, we are disturbed all across. We are asking Interior CS Matiang’i, please return the guns.”

The same sentiments were echoes by Mochongoi Ward MCA Kipruto Kimosop who accused the government of failing to do enough to secure the area.