Deputy Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow was on Monday, March 20, cornered by angry protestors who demanded answers for the continued banditry in the North Rift region despite heavy police presence.
The protestors had blocked 2-kilometres of the road in Loruk, Baringo County, using stones to prevent Gabow from traveling from the location claiming that he had failed at his mission.
Moreover, the residents claimed that in the two weeks that Gabow had been overseeing the ongoing security operation in the area, two people had died and five others were injured by bandits.
Overwhelmed by the protestors, officers of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) rushed in to rescue the deputy police IG from the angry residents. The KDF officers transferred him to an awaiting vehicle before driving him out of the area.
"He has been here for two weeks but attacks have been occurring despite a heavy presence of security officers including the KDF.
“In all five incidents, there have been no arrests and no cattle has been returned. If we remain silent, we will continue dying,” the protestors lamented.
Additionally, the residents accused Gabow, who had been in the area, of inaction despite knowing exactly what the residents were going through.
"He apologises every day for the killings but he is not making any arrests. We are tired of the apologies. We want solutions," added the angry residents.
At the same time, the affected individuals further stated that they feared that many of their schools would not reopen because of the continued banditry adding that both the students and the teachers feared for their lives.
“Even the teachers are not reporting to school. They are scared for their lives and some of them have to sleep in the offices,” they complained.
Moreover, they claimed that the operation was delayed because of a conflict of power between the military officers and the police officers.
On March 14, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki clarified that Kenya Defence Forces(KDF) would only complement the efforts of police officers who have the leading role in the operation.
The bandit attacks have continued in Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties despite Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) using sophisticated weapons to counter the attacks.
Earlier on March 12, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki issued a vacate order in the regions suspected to harbour bandits in an effort to flush out bandits.
The areas 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.
