Residents of banditry prone Baringo North constituency are now appealing for humanitarian assistance after running out of supplies and foodstuffs due to the insecurity menace.
The residents asked both the national and county government as well as well-wishers to come to their aid through provision relief food and medical assistance.
Led by Richard Chepchomei, an elder, from Chemoe in Bartabwa Ward who spoke to KNA outside Baringo County Information Office in Kabarnet town on Tuesday, stated that the situation in areas bordering Tiaty constituency is dire following increased cases of banditry, cattle rustling and serous mosquito infestation.
Chepchomei mentioned areas like Ngaratuko, Kagir, Chemoe and Yatia whose roads are impassable unless with an escort of a police vehicle thereby making residents to flee the area to safer places.
He stated that due to insecurity coupled with prolonged long rains the displaced victims are lacking basic needs like food and shelter besides facing the danger of contracting water borne diseases as a result of consuming untreated water.
“We are appealing to the national government, county government of Baringo and other stakeholders to support us in the provision of relief food and medicine as well as tents for those who are lacking shelters,” the elder requested.
Chepchomei, at the same time cautioned politicians against making inciteful utterances that may worsen the situation further instead embrace unity of purpose in a bid to preach peace and harmonious co-existence among the warring communities.
He said that it was unfortunate that for leaders to introduce politics into the thorny insecurity issue rather than championing peace which he noted without it no meaningful development will take place.
Titus Kipsoi in his remarks said that some of the disadvantaged residents who have continued to live in volatile areas are traumatized after seeing the kins being killed, maimed and inflicted life threatening injuries as they are reduced to paupers following disruption of their daily life.
Kipsoi called upon humanitarian organizations like Kenya Red Cross Society and World Vision to support especially affected schools like Ngaratuko, Kosile, Yatia, Chepkesin, Tuluk and Kesumet for learners to remain in school.
The elders lamented that besides disruption of learning, some roads have been abandoned citing lemuyek-Yatia-Chepkesin which has remained unused for more than 10 years due to insecurity.
He added that there is a need for Tugen, Pokot and Ilchamus communities to team up with security agencies in forging a lasting peace in the region.
By Benson Kelio and Joshua Kibet
