Security officers deployed to Turkana South following banditry attacks that left three people dead/ MATHEWS NDANYITension is high along the border between Turkana and West Pokot counties following fresh banditry attacks that have left three people dead. Scores others have been injured.
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The attack in which hundreds of livestock were stolen occurred at Lokwar Nakuse village in the Turkana South constituency, where bandits shot dead the three victims.
Residents have expressed fear for the lives even as the government deployed more security officers to contain the attackers.
Leaders in Turkana, led by Governor Jeremiah Lomurukai, have condemned the attack and accused the government of disarming their community while leaving arms in the hands of bandits from neighbouring counties.
Lomurkai who had recently opposed disarmament operations in Turkana, said the government must take action to stop the recurrence of banditry attacks in the region.
“If that is not possible, then they should allow our community to defend itself. Our people surrendered arms to the security agencies believing they would be protected, but that has failed,” Lomurkai said.
Turkana South MP Ariko Namoit, who visited the area said said they would not accept disarmament without protection by security agencies.
“We have made it clear to the government that disarming our people without providing proper security is unacceptable. We are pained by the killing of our people yet the government promised full protection,“ Ariko said.
He said the seizing of firearms was exposing innocent Turkana families to deadly attacks.
“Our people cannot be left defenceless while armed criminals invade their homes, steal livestock and kill people. We need proper measures on the security of locals," the lawmaker said.
Loima MP Protus Akuja questioned why there was a need to have security teams in the region, yet they cannot protect locals.
Senator James Lomenen called for disarmament on both sides of Turkana and Pokot and equal provision of adequate security in all affected counties.
Deputy county commissioner Dennis Barasa defended the disarmament operation, saying they had enhanced patrols in the region and that criminals involved in the latest attack would be brought to book.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen is set to visit the region and hold a meeting with local leaders and security chiefs in a bid to restore security.
“Like we have done in other parts of Kerio Valley, we are going to ensure that we wipe out banditry in Turkana and parts of West Pokot," Murkomen said.
He said security officers had clear instructions to ensure they mop up all illegal arms in the hands of bandits.
