Death toll rises to two in Baringo banditry attack

The death toll from a bandit attack in Chemoi, Baringo North, rose to two, with eight people injured, among them National Police Reservists (NPRs).

The attack occurred a week after bandits killed a woman and injured three others along the Marigat–Tangulbei road.

The incident happened at a time when a fresh vetting process for NPRs was underway in Bartabwa, creating a security vacuum in areas manned by the reservists. 

The government launched the vetting exercise following concerns that some officers had gone rogue. 

Over the past two years, 25 NPRs from across the Kerio Valley region have been arrested or dismissed for allegedly aiding banditry and cattle rustling, actions that have been blamed for undermining the ongoing security operation in the area.

The attack caused a fierce exchange between Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Baringo North Member of Parliament Joseph Makilap.