Suspected Armed Pokot Bandits Attack Chemoe In Baringo North, Steal 38 Cows

Tension is high at Chemoe in Baringo North Sub-county after suspected armed Pokot bandits attacked, driving away 38 head of cattle on Saturday.

Reportedly, the bandits ambushed and surrounded Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) camp at Chemoe before laying the raid at around 11 am.

Tuluk Sub-location Assistant Chief Moses Kaptum noted that the stolen animals belong to Tugen residents Abraham Chelal, Kaiwale Chesaket and Elijah Chepkunur.

Kaptum said the bandits shot aimlessly to disperse the two boys herding the cattle leading them across the border towards Katikit and Kositei Sub-locations in Tiaty Sub-county.

“They also exchanged fire with the ASTU officers but overpowered them” said Kaptum.

He said later the bandits again pushed heavy stones to block the access road connecting Nooswo and Kibelon area.

Chemoe resident Richard Chepchomei regretted the incident urging the government to tighten security patrols along the Tugen-Pokot border to prevent the aggressors, especially during the December holiday.

“We had earlier alerted the police over the pokot threats to attacks anytime during this season, but they neglected it, so you can now see the outcome” said Chepchomei.

The attack comes a week after Baringo County Commissioner Peter Okwanyo held a peace meeting at Chemoe aimed at bringing together the warring Pokot and Tugen communities.

During the meeting, Okwanyo had therefore ordered Pokot Assistant Chief for Kositei Sub-location Jackson Ronei to produce the stolen livestock and the names of the armed bandits behind frequent attacks.

-Joseph Kangogo