Kerio Valley bleeds again

Valley of Death: Will Peace Ever Find its Way to Kerio?
The Kerio Valley, a land etched with beauty of natural resources remains tragically marred by insecurity occasioned by deadly banditry. 

Countless lives have been lost, schools stand silent, and the scars of destruction mar the landscape. 

For the residents who call this valley home, the pain is immeasurable, despite their cries for help, the situation seems to linger in a grim stalemate.

The chilling soundtrack of gunfire hangs heavy in the air, a constant reminder of the insecurity that grips both Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo Counties. 

Local leaders, their voices laced with frustration, condemn the government's inaction. 

Calls for increased national police reserves and forceful disarmament echo through the valley.

Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap, in a desperate plea for accountability, proposed a dedicated cemetery for victims of banditry, hoping it would serve as a stark reminder and facilitate future investigations into potential genocide claims.

The proposal for a designated banditry victim cemetery elicited mixed reactions from residents.

Some praised it, while others saw it as a grim prediction of future deaths, reflecting poorly on the legislator's ability to protect his constituents.

Supporters, however, viewed it as a memorial like the Rwanda genocide site, aiding future compensation efforts for victims.
Just two weeks ago, the valley was once again plunged into mourning. 

Bandits struck, claiming the lives of six individuals, four of whom belonged to the same family, along the treacherous Chemoe - Yatya Road.

This senseless violence left a gaping wound in the already fragile fabric of the community.
Seeking solace in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, communities have turned to traditional rituals.

On Simoi Hill in Kagir, Baringo North, retired Colonel Moses Kwonyike led a group of elders in a desperate bid for divine intervention.

 Seer, Ali Bittok from the Nandi's Kapsiseiwo  Koitalel Arap Samoe lineage performed a ritual ceremony, a symbolic act of defiance against the cattle rustlers who steal and kill innocent people with impunity.

“These peace rituals, will bring forth a long lasting solution to insecurity and the government should adopt this approach since it was used by the forefathers to mitigate animosity between communities” said Kwonyike.
But the embers of hope flickered briefly. 

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Just 24 hours later, another life was tragically cut short. A 32-year-old man was killed in an altercation between national police reservists and herders, a mere stone's throw from the site of the ritual.

This chilling reminder underscored the complex and deeply entrenched nature of the conflict.
Despite this setback, Baringo County Police Commandant Julius Kiragu remains cautiously optimistic. He assures the public that authorities are actively pursuing crucial leads and are determined to apprehend those fueling this menace.

“Gone are the days when the Pokots were deemed as the only aggressors. Nowadays, also other neighboring communities like the Tugen and the Ilchamus also cross over to raid the Pokots and vice versa” says Kiragu.

Baringo County Commissioner, Steven Kutwa, during a recent interview, termed the recent attacks as few isolated cases since security has been intensified in the volatile areas in the county.

President William Ruto, on a visit to Elgeyo Marakwet County, reaffirmed the government's commitment to tackling the insecurity plaguing the North Rift region.

 He outlined various strategies, including the relocation of security camps to the heart of the Kerio Valley belt. 

Additionally, he instructed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to expedite the establishment of two new constituencies: Kolowa and Kerio Valley sub-counties which will go a long way in addressing the issues of insecurity in the volatile region.

During the visit, Baringo Governor, Benjamin Cheboi, urged the head of state to use the symbolic sword he received upon taking office to decisively,end the insecurity plaguing the region.

A number of schools also have been closed in areas affected by banditry, including Ngaratuko and Kosile primary schools in Baringo North. Impoverished locals have also fled the area and integrated into neighboring communities in pursuit of peace.

Mourners during a burial of a loved one killed by bandits. Photo Courtesy.

With Baringo being blessed with natural resources, like Rubis, Diatomite and scenic tourist destinations which if exploited well can be a source of revenue and create jobs for the locals.

“We hope that the diatomite explorations in Tiaty and Baringo North will bring to an end the animosity between the two communities” said Tiaty Mp William Kamket during a tour by the CS Mining, Maritime and Blue Economy, Salim Mvurya who visited Katikit diatomite mining area.

However, the road to lasting peace in the Kerio Valley will undoubtedly be long and arduous. It will require a multifaceted approach that addres