On Monday, April 17, over 100 bandits raided Kamologon Village in West Pokot County.
The attack, which was made barely 24 hours after an appeal from the Kalenjin Council of Elders, saw two people lose their lives and the locals lose over 700 heads of livestock to the armed bandits.
The elders had earlier dared the Inspector General (IG) of Police Japhet Koome to act on the bandits with the same vigour his team clamped down on Azimio la Umoja protesters.
Confirming the attack, area Chief Emanuel Chesta explained that the bandits ambushed locals while herding.
“During the ambush, they killed a 22-year-old man and an 18-year-old youth. They also got away with 500 sheep, 50 goats and 60 cows,” the Chief confirmed.
West Pokot County Commissioner Apollo also confirmed the attack noting that security forces had already swung into action.
“The bandits went into hiding with the raided livestock and security officers are already on the ground searching for them,” he assured the public.
Earlier, elders and political leaders drawn from Rift Valley had accused IG Koome of being inept when dealing with bandits.
“The other day during Raila-led protests in Nairobi, we saw you act tough and even remarked that you do not fear being taken to International Criminal Court (ICC).
“Why don’t you come here and say the same to the bandits who are attacking us daily?” Mochogoi Ward Representative Kipruto Kimosop wondered during the meeting.
The leaders sought an audience with President William Ruto maintaining that the Head of State was the only best-placed person to help them.
“IG Koome has failed in his job and the only way we can solve this problem is if we have a one-on-one with the President,” they demanded.
While Koome did not reply directly to the elders, he vowed not to be intimidated by anyone in discharging his mandate.
“I want to tell members of the National Police Service, do not be intimidated by the letter. Serve our country without fear,” he stated on Sunday, April 16.
