5 Police Reservists Killed by Bandits in Baringo

Five police reservists were, on Thursday morning, shot dead by suspected Pokot bandits in Baringo county.

Confirming the incident, County AP commandant Robinson Ndiwa, stated that the attackers made away with an unknown number of livestock at Kapindasum area.

"We have already deployed GSU, RDU and NPR officers to pursue the aggressors who have driven the animals towards Chepkalacha in Tiaty East.

"This took people by surprise because the place was peaceful. Nobody expected an attack even the relaxed herders had left their animals to graze freely," he told journalists.

The incident comes days after three people were killed when bandits attacked their rivals in Kainuk along the border of Turkana and West Pokot counties.

In response, Inspector General Joseph Boinnet ordered the Regional Police Commander Edward Mwamburi to use all available Police resources to stop the violence and restore order to allow members of the public to lead normal lives.

The RPC was further ordered to step up investigations into the role of identified individuals who were suspected of inciting violence in the area and bring them to book in accordance with the law. 

"I, therefore, call on members of the public to cooperate with Police Officers in an effort to deal with the rustlers who are out to wreck the peace and trust that the local residents have built amongst themselves," Boinett directed.

Tension remains high along the border as political leaders from either side point fingers at each other.

MPs from Turkana accuse West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo while those from West Pokot blame Turkana South MP James Lomenen for incitement.

On Sunday, Lonyangapuo further blamed the authorities for failing to quell the tensions in the area.

"We are surprised by the behaviour of the officers from the other side who behave like people from another nation,” he stated. 

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