Two people were on Sunday killed and seven others injured following a fresh bandit attack in Koitilial village, Niwai sub-location, Marakwet West Sub County.
This is after armed bandits attacked the area, shooting indiscriminately at the locals.
According to eyewitnesses, the 1 pm attack was staged by a huge number of heavily armed bandits.
During the attack, at least 600 heads of cattle were also driven away.
Locals who were injured at receiving treatment in various health facilities among them Iten County Referal Hospital in Elgeyo Marakwet, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, and Mediheal Hospital also in Eldoret town.
The latest attack has been condemned by political leaders in Elgeyo Marakwet County led by Deputy Governor Wisely Rotich.
Rotich in a post on his Facebook page expressed concerns over the government’s inaction in addressing the issue, especially at this time when candidates are sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
“As the people of Elgeyo Marakwet, we are saddened by the state of affairs at a time when our children are doing their exams. We have been patiently waiting for govt action but it seems the same government is laughing at us and enjoying the show probably because of our political affiliation or for economic gain to those in power,” he said in part of the post.
“The cries of the orphans, widows, parents, and community at large will never go in vain. We shall triumph one day,” he added.
The latest attack brings to five the number of people that have been killed as a result of bandit attacks in Kerio Valley – within the last one week.
In total, at least 100 people have been killed in the region within the last eight months.
Following rising bandit attacks, there have been calls from a section of political leaders in the region for the government to deploy the military to restore sanity.
The calls have not yet been responded to, with the government recently agreeing to the return of the National Police Reservists (NPR).
And following the attack, Rotich who is eyeing the Elgeyo Marakwet gubernatorial seat announced that he had suspended his campaigns.
“I have suspended my campaign activities for tomorrow Monday 21st that was meant to happen at Kapchemutwa and Kamariny wards to a later date. This is in solidarity with the great people of Kerio Valley during this trying moment as we demand instant government action,” noted the Deputy Governor.
