Police rescue 13-year-old girl abducted in Baringo
The incident had sparked panic in the volatile region, as residents said such a kidnapping had never occurred before.
A 13-year-old schoolgirl who was abducted by armed criminals in Yatya, Baringo North Sub-County, has been rescued and is on her way to being reunited with her family, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed.
The Grade Seven pupil from Yatya Primary School was kidnapped on Friday afternoon while preparing an afternoon meal with her two younger siblings. Two armed men reportedly stormed their home and ordered the children to go with them.
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"The armed men rounded up the children, but the toddler cried, prompting them to leave him behind. While on the way, the Grade Five boy managed to escape and made his way back to the village, where he reported the incident," a local resident said.
The incident had sparked panic in the volatile region, as residents said such a kidnapping had never occurred before.
Baringo County Police Commander Julius Kiragu confirmed that security officers had been deployed to pursue the armed men, who were believed to have fled toward Tiaty East.
In a statement Sunday, Interior CS Murkomen praised the swift coordination of the rescue operation, applauding the efforts of officers at national, regional and local levels.
“I congratulate our security teams at the National, Regional and Local levels for a well-coordinated operation. I particularly wish to laud the Naudo Location Chief Mr Japheth Pakka for a job well done together with local elders and security officers, including NPR,” Murkomen said.
He also commended the local communities for their support and assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
“Our National Police Service will pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice. I have also directed our officers in Baringo North and Tiaty Central Sub-Counties, under the leadership of the County Commissioner, to organise a community meeting to resolve the underlying issues that allegedly led to this terrifying crime,” he said.
Acknowledging the trauma experienced by the girl and her brother, who managed to escape during the abduction, the CS said the government had arranged psychosocial support for both siblings.
“If the family allows, we have offered to take them to a boarding school outside their home Sub-County where they will feel safe and at peace to pursue their education,” Murkomen added.
The abduction happened amid a fresh wave of bandit attacks in Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, which have claimed the lives of over 22 people this year, including Tot Catholic priest Allois Cheruiyot Bett, who was shot dead.
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