Ruto gives shot-to-kill order as Baringo bandits shoot chief

Baringo bandits savage unfolded right before the Deputy President William Ruto’s eyes at a rally in Bartabwa, Baringo County.

Hell broke loose shortly after the Deputy President rose to address the crowd when fierce gunshots from suspected Pokot bandits rented the air just a few kilometres from the rally venue.

The bandits, believed to be in a castle stealing mission at nearby Chepkew village, killed Ngorora Location Chief.

Police are in pursuit of the gunmen and the stolen livestock.

The Ruto’s rally was hurriedly conducted as startled attendees started scampering for safety.

Following the incident, the Deputy President gave security forces in the volatile region a shot-to-kill order.

Ruto further ordered more police reservists to be deployed in the region to help curb the worsening situation.

Security situation in Baringo has hit an all time low as bandits have converted the area into battlefield.

The events at Bartabwa happened a day after a National Youth Service (NYS) truck ferrying relief food to displaced residents in Baringo North was hijacked by bandits, forcing the NYS personnel to offload the entire consignment.

As the bandits took food meant for starving citizens, a possibly retaliatory incident took place in Marigat where residents barricaded Marigat-Loruk road blocking a convoy of Red Cross lorries ferrying food to East Pokot.

The Marigat insisted that they can not allow food meant to benefit ‘killers’ in Pokot pass their area.

Leaders as well as residents are appealing to the government to move in with speed to salvage the situation.

Baringo County Speaker, William Kamket, has come out strongly to condemn the incidents happening in Baringo.

Kamket dispelled rumours that he has a hand in setting communities living in Baringo up against each other.

“We are very sad over what is happening so for anyone to insinuate in any way that William Kamket has been inciting the people that is far from the point. We hope the government will move with speed to ensure that security is restored in Baringo,” said Kamket.