Nine people were killed in a night-long attack in Makutani, Baringo despite the heavy security operation in the area.. Five people were injured and several houses were torched as the daring bandits surrounded villages on Tuesday.
Hundreds of residents are fleeing the area, but many are missing and are feared dead.The attackers have also barricaded roads and burnt down shops. Kenya Red Cross officials are said to be at the scene evacuating the injured.
Human rights activist Amos Olempaka said the area is tense but security forces are on the way. He said the attackers have surrounded villages, including two schools.
“The villages in the area have been under siege for many hours last night and it’s feared that many people have been killed,” he added.
On Monday, two women were shot dead by Pokot bandits.
Chepochemurko Harrison and Chepokamurial Loputakori from Mukutani centre were killed by stray bullets after Pokot bandits raided the Ilchamus warriors territory.
The two were heading to collect orphans’ cash transfer funds at Equity Bank in Kabarnet town.
More on this: Pokot bandits strike again, kill 2 women, injure several
Bandits also stole 30 cows in twin attacks last Friday and Saturday in Kaben and Kipyepo areas. DP William Ruto presided over the deployment of more than 200 police reservists in the region. He also issued shoot-to-kill orders against bandits. The State gazetted several areas in Baringo county as ‘disturbed’, shortly after the security operation to flush out bandits started.