On Sunday, March 19, bandits launched an attack in Baringo North Constituency where one person was shot dead and another left seriously injured despite heightened military activity in the area.
The bandits further stole an unknown number of livestock in what was the latest banditry attack in the troubled North Rift.
The attacks have gone on despite Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) using sophisticated weapons to quell bandits in Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
On Monday, March 13, a convoy of military trucks was spotted at Baringo County carrying state-of-the-art weaponry.
Among the artillery being transported was what appeared to be an L118 Light Guns, a 105 mm towed howitzer.
The howitzer is best suited for the rough terrain in the North Rift which has been a challenge for security agents working in the region.
One of its key advantages is that it has unique interchangeable spades that allow it to be fired off the soft ground, rock, and hard emplacements.
Despite the heavy artillery and increased KDF presence in the region, the bandits were able to ambush locals who were looking for their missing livestock.
According to reports, the bandits who had been hiding opened fire on the herdsmen killing one and injuring another. The injured was rushed to Baringo County Referral Hospital.
This was the second banditry attack at the North Rift during the day. Earlier, another person had been shot dead by suspected bandits while guarding a borehole.
The second attack happened in Takaiywa village at the border of West Pokot and Turkana Counties.
In an effort to flush out bandits, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Sunday, March 12 issued a vacate order in the regions suspected to harbour bandits.
They include; Ng’elecha Hills and Gorges, Ramacha and Losokoni Caves, Laramoru Gorges, Karau Hills, Noosidan Escarpment, Rugus Caves and the Amaya Gorges at the interface of Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu Counties.
