Efforts to maintain peace in the North Rift region have suffered a significant setback as bandits adopt new tactics, targeting and killing women.
Recent Incident
On Thursday evening, two women were killed by suspected bandits from Turkana County. They searched for gold in Kases village, Ombolion area of North Pokot Sub County, West Pokot County. The victims, identified as Chemket Long’olenyang (50) and Cheposang’il Rengeyei (24), got an attack despite recent security reinforcements.
This attack happened a few months after the Ministry of Interior deployed 205 National Police Reservists (NPRs) to West Pokot County to secure border points in hotspot areas such as Turkwel and Chesegon. Following this incident, tensions are escalating along the West Pokot-Turkana border. Ombolion has become a battleground between bandits and locals, making it unsafe for residents.
Ombolion Chief Joseph Korkimul confirmed the latest attack and reported that security forces are pursuing the bandits believed to be from Turkana County. According to Korkimul, the bandits aimed to steal livestock, but when the herders escaped, they attacked the women instead, killing two and injuring others.
“Livestock theft has resurfaced in the area. Bandits stage attacks daily,” said Korkimul. More than 10 women searching for gold along the Turkwel-Romos road got an attack. Chief Korkimul urged the Ministry of Interior to deploy more police reservists to calm the tension and deter bandit activity. He emphasized the need for modern solutions to address the insecurity problem and suggested establishing Anti-Stock Theft or General Service Unit camps at Takaiywa and Ombolion.
West Pokot County Commissioner Khaliff Abdulahi stated that the motive behind the attack is still unknown. “The bandits killed the women and dashed into the thickets,” he said, noting that police officers have been deployed to reduce tension. “We shall not entertain anyone engaging in crime and banditry,” he added.
Leaders’ Reactions
Leaders from the North Rift region condemned the killings and urged the government to revise its strategies to combat banditry. West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin highlighted that the region remains generally peaceful, apart from a few criminals disrupting harmony. “Their days are numbered. Turkana, Samburu, Marakwets are not bad apart from a few individuals. We also condemn them and we should not engage in blame games. Pokots and Turkana do business together,” he said.
Call for Local Solutions
Francis Krop Loboo (MP) stressed the importance of involving local leaders to address issues in Kerio Valley. He condemned the attacks and called for an investigation into their root causes. West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor also urged both communities to embrace peace. “Why kill innocent women? We are permanent neighbours and should learn to stay together. No one will benefit from banditry and cattle rustling,” he said.
Senator Murgor called for development projects like irrigation, schools, and churches, and suggested that the government pay pastors to preach peace. He reflected on the success of dialogue during former President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure and called for swift action from the Ministry of Interior and Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan to contain the situation. He also urged West Pokot and Turkana leaders to initiate peace caravans in the region. READ ALSO:Residents Demand Payment: Kitale-Endebess-Suam Road
