Hundreds Of Residents Flee From Baragoi

The Kenya defense forces made their way into Baragoi as hundreds of residents fled from their homes.

The Disarmament exercise in the area enters its second week.

Officers in charge of the exercise continue to plead with the residents to return to their homes assuring them that the military will not use unnecessary force during the disarmament exercise.

The military operation is intended to mop out illegal arms.

Homesteads remain abandoned and schools in the area have been closed as families flee with their children.

This, despite pleas to the residents to embrace the disarmament exercise.

Many of those who have fled their homes are camping at Suguta valley also referred to as the valley of death.

This is the valley where 46 police officers were ambushed and killed by armed bandits in 2013.

Samburu County governor Moses Lenolkulal says the government has the capacity to identify criminals.

Lenolkulal asked area residents to come back and help recover the illegal arms since the officers are disciplined and understand the law.

Nkorishei and Kambi nyoka areas have been set as the main strategic operational bases for the operation which is now in its second week.

Previous disarmament exercises have failed to yield much result.

As residents continue to flee, fears are rife that those with guns have also fled.

Hundreds of families fleeing their homes are in dire need of food and water.

By Angel Mboya