Pokot residents threaten protest vote against Jubilee over security operation

West Pokot Senator, John Lonyangapuo’s supporters have protested the operation by the government to flush out suspected bandits in the volatile Baringo County.

The supporters argue that the move by the government was targeting only the Pokot community which has been accused of banditry activities and cattle rustling.

The supporters, who help protests in the streets of Makutano Trading Centre in Baringo, now want President Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene and call for halting of the operation arguing that it will fuel the animosity between the communities living in the area.

They alleged that the Pokot community has been victimized by being labeled as bandits, terrorists and cattle rustlers, a conclusion they said is unfair and dangerous since it criminalizes the whole community.

Led by Angole Kisheusheu, the supporters of the West Pokot Senator said the government has isolated the Pokot community since independence without developing the region and carrying out the operation in an injustice to the community.

“We need schools, hospitals and roads, we don’t need an operation to oppress us. The Deputy President is giving directives because he knows he won’t be on the ballot in 2017,” said the visibly angry Kisheusheu.

Over a week ago, Deputy President William Ruto issued a shoot-to-kill directive to police saying that is the only way to deal with the banditry menace.

The Pokot community has since threatened to withdraw their support for the Jubilee government if the President does not take immediate action.

“Banditry is not a tribe, the community has more than 250,000 registered voters and we might decide to support another presidential candidate if the Jubilee government will continue branding us as criminal,” added Mr Kisheusheu.

Written by Erick Kombo