Bandits in Baringo and Why we should Start Mourning

For several weeks now, Kenyans have been treated with what can be defined as an actual action movie involving real characters and real deaths in a wave of bandit attacks happening in Baringo County.

So far, ten people have been killed although the locals say that the number is double than that because the killings are happening on a daily basis. Among those who were killed was a three-day-old baby who was shot dead alongside its mother.

The killings are said to have been ensured following the killing of two politicians; a sitting Member of County Assembly and an aspiring Member of Parliament in Tiaty Constituency. Thousands of people have been driven out of their homes and are now camping in caves, schools and churches.

Locals say that the rivalry has been made worse by commercialized cattle rustling which they say is being conducted by powerful people who are minting millions from the business and who gives no damn whether people are killed.

To make matter worse, Kenya Red Cross Society has withdrawn all its services from Baringo following constant attacks on its relief deliver lorries as well as its staff. Bandits have been attacking the Red Cross trucks, offloading the relief food meant for the affected families and holding hostage the Red Cross staff.

The government seems to have taken time to respond and the situation is escalating from worse to worst. The Deputy President William Ruto was in Baringo to try and quell the situation but his meeting was disrupted by gunshots. He then issued a shoot to kill order but the bandits seem not shaken by the order.

Many people are blaming politicians from the region for fueling the conflicts for their own benefit. Some say that there is a deep scheme of driving out a certain community from the area so that during the general election, some politicians can just be voted in by their own people without any opposition.

Disruption of Economy

Economic activities in most parts of Baringo County especially Tiaty Constituency have been completely disrupted. All shopping centers have been closed down and there are no meaningful businesses going on. Most residents in this region depend on livestock for livelihood but cattle rustling and the ongoing drought has dealt a huge blow on them.

Disruption of Education

Most schools have been closed down in Baringo. Among those killed was a primary school teacher who was shot dead on his way from school. Children have been taken out of schools as their parents seek refuge elsewhere. What is sadder is that the bandits are killing everyone; both children and the adults as other government organs watch desperately.

The Irony

The irony of this conflict is that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior Security, Joseph Nkaissery comes from the region. What is more ironic is that the Deputy President of the republic of Kenya, William Ruto comes from the region too. The region also voted overwhelmingly to the ruling party Jubilee.

Why we should mourn

As Kenyans of goodwill we should start mourning because the general elections are coming and the atmosphere is already tense. Songs of war are being sang everywhere and cries of war are already renting the air. Most politicians are vomiting venomous statements and their supporters are agitated.