Kerio Valley Witnesses More Bloodshed: Former Police Reservist Shot Dead
In another act of violence that has rocked Kerio Valley, a former National Police Reservist (NPR), Abraham Kitum, was shot and killed on Thursday afternoon in Chebasiak, Kaben location, Elgeyo Marakwet. His death marks the fifth fatality in the recent spate of attacks that have plagued the region. The attacks are believed to be the work of bandits who have been wreaking havoc in this volatile part of Kenya. The people of Kerio Valley continue to live in fear as more lives are lost in the escalating violence.
This latest tragedy adds to the growing concerns about the state of security in the region. Just days earlier, four people, including two schoolboys and their uncle, were killed in separate attacks in Endo, a nearby area. The frequency of these incidents has left residents terrified, and many are calling for stronger action from the authorities to curb the violence.
Abraham Kitum’s killing, while tragic, is also symbolic of the larger problem that Kerio Valley faces. Kitum, a retired police reservist, had dedicated much of his life to serving and protecting the community. However, despite his service and efforts to promote peace, he fell victim to the very violence he had once worked to prevent. The death of this beloved community member has sparked outrage among locals, who are demanding justice and an end to the cycle of violence in the valley.
Residents Demand Action as Kerio Valley Suffers from Rampant Banditry
The residents of Kerio Valley are becoming increasingly frustrated with the authorities’ inability to control the banditry that has plagued the area for years. In the case of Kitum’s death, witnesses claim that the attackers came from a neighboring county, which has fueled anger among the locals. Many are calling on the government to take stronger action against the bandits who continue to terrorize the region.
According to Kitum’s family, the retired police reservist was ambushed and killed while he was herding his livestock in Chebasiak. His nephew, Bismarck Ruto, recalled that Kitum had just found a suitable spot for grazing his cattle when the bandits attacked. Kitum was shot twice in the chest and died on the spot. The attackers then stole four of his cattle, including two bulls and two cows, before fleeing into the surrounding thickets.
The incident has left the community devastated, as Kitum had been known for his peace-building efforts and had earned the respect of many in the region. He was a champion of peace even after his retirement, and his untimely death is a painful reminder of the deep-rooted issues plaguing Kerio Valley. The region’s residents are left to mourn the loss of a respected elder, while also grappling with the fear and uncertainty that comes with living in such a lawless environment.
Banditry and Violence Continue to Ravage Kerio Valley
The ongoing violence in Kerio Valley has become a significant security concern, with multiple attacks occurring in quick succession. Just a few days before Kitum’s death, four people were killed in the Endo area, including two primary schoolboys and their uncle. These attacks have left the valley in a state of constant fear, as residents never know when the next tragedy will strike.
The bandits who operate in Kerio Valley have been a long-standing issue, and despite efforts by the government to combat the problem, the situation has only worsened. A multi-agency security team, which includes the military, Anti-stock Theft Unit (ASTU), and regular police officers, has been deployed to the region in an attempt to track down the perpetrators. However, the bandits continue to evade capture, retreating to remote hideouts in the vast valley.
One of the significant challenges in addressing the issue of banditry in Kerio Valley is the porous nature of the borders between counties. Many of the criminals responsible for these attacks come from neighboring areas, making it difficult for local authorities to effectively monitor and control the situation. The lack of coordinated efforts between the different counties only exacerbates the problem, leaving residents vulnerable to attacks and theft.
Efforts to End Banditry in Kerio Valley Face Challenges
Despite the presence of security forces in the region, the fight against banditry in Kerio Valley continues to face significant hurdles. The vastness of the area, combined with the difficult terrain, makes it challenging for security teams to track down the criminals. In addition, the bandits are well-organized and familiar with the landscape, allowing them to evade capture and continue their violent activities.
One of the recent developments in the fight against banditry in Kerio Valley involved the return of four stolen goats to West Pokot after being traced to Endo in Elgeyo Marakwet. While this was a small victory, it highlights the ongoing issue of livestock theft, which is often a precursor to more violent attacks. The stolen goats were recovered just hours before Kitum was fatally shot, underscoring the persistent nature of the criminal activities in the region.
The multi-agency security team is also working to track down the bandits who have defied directives to surrender their weapons. These efforts have, so far, been unsuccessful, with sources saying that the bandits have retreated to their hiding places in the remote areas of Kerio Valley. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the people of the valley are left wondering when and if peace will ever return to their homeland.
The Death Toll Rises as Kerio Valley Struggles to Cope with Violence
As Kerio Valley grapples with the rising death toll from the ongoing violence, the government is under increasing pressure to take decisive action. The recent killings have left the community feeling vulnerable and helpless, as bandits continue to target innocent civilians and livestock. The security forces’ inability to contain the violence has raised questions about the effectiveness of the government’s response to the crisis.
During one of the recent attacks, herders from Marakwet East and Tiaty clashed at Kewa Kowow, resulting in a deadly gunfight that left one person dead. This incident is just another example of the ongoing conflict between different communities in the valley, fueled by resource competition, criminal activities, and longstanding grievances.
The conflict in Kerio Valley is not just a matter of banditry; it is also rooted in deeper socio-political issues that need to be addressed. The lack of effective governance, the proliferation of small arms, and the marginalization of certain communities have all contributed to the cycle of violence. Until these underlying issues are tackled, it is unlikely that the region will see any lasting peace.
Can the Government Bring an End to the Violence?
As the people of Kerio Valley continue to endure the horrors of violence and insecurity, the question remains: can the government bring an end to this crisis? While the authorities have made efforts to tackle banditry in the region, their actions have not yielded the desired results. The recent killings, including the death of Abraham Kitum, highlight the urgency of the situation.
The government must work closely with local communities to address the root causes of violence in Kerio Valley. This includes strengthening security infrastructure, improving access to resources, and promoting peaceful coexistence among the different communities in the region. Without a comprehensive approach, the cycle of violence will only continue, leaving more innocent lives lost in the process.
The residents of Kerio Valley are desperate for peace. They have witnessed too many deaths and endured too much suffering. The government must act quickly to restore order and ensure that the valley is no longer a place of terror and bloodshed. Only then can the people of Kerio Valley hope for a better future, free from the constant threat of violence.
