Gov't deploys KDF to Uganda border to contain bandits

This comes amid tension after bandits raided the area, killing residents before driving away hundreds of cattle. 

The tension escalated after the killing of a councillor in the neighbouring Uganda. 

Residents have resumed their normal day-to-day activities after fleeing the village for weeks after the deployment of a joint security team composed of KDF and Kenya police officers by the government to restore order in the disturbed area. 

“Sisi hatuna hata askari ya kukinga sisi...ni sisi pekee yetu...tunatangatanga usiku na watoto na mang'ombe...tumeumia kuumia,” Chepokilipa Chilakit, a resident, said. 

Another resident added: “Watu wameadhirika sana wametoka nyumbani mwao kuenda kuhamia mahali kwengine na pia hii kazi ingefaa tuwe tunahesabu idadi ya watu kila nyumba.”

Security officers patrolling the area have asked residents to cooperate with them and volunteer crucial information regarding the criminals from both sides of the neighbouring countries.

“Kumekuwa na wizi...kuna a few residents ambao wana collaborate na criminals kutoka Uganda na ndio wamekuwa wakiingia hapa,” Kacheliba OCPD Victor Nzaka said.

“Tulikuwa tunaomba security iwekwe both sides Kenya na Uganda ili watu wachungwe na mali yawe pamoja na familia yawe kwa sababu hiyo ndio kitu imeleta changamoto katika hii mpaka,” Abdi Kassim, another resident, added.

During a series of security meetings that brought together the communities of Sebei, the Southern-Nilotic ethnic group inhabiting Eastern Uganda and the Pokot Community, area leaders asked the Kenyan and Ugandan governments to repossess illegal firearms. 

“Yafaidi nyinyi nini kusomwa kwa magazeti, social media negatively...leo ng'ombe, leo risasi and I have tabled a motion before these people, disarmament is the only option,” said former West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo.

“Kweli ni hatari mtu ya risaf kuwa na bunduki ama akipewa bunduki na yeye hajapewa rules na regulations... karibu wiki mbili sasa area hii imekuwa ni hotspot ya insecurity watu hawalali makwao.”

Conflict ensued two weeks ago between the communities of Sebei and Pokot after bandits raided Uganda killing an area councilor before making away with an unknown number of cattle. 

The joint security team's presence has not only restored peace but has also enabled learners to get back to class.