Wetang’ula urges Baringo MPs to lead peace efforts amid rising highway attacks
Speaker Wetang’ula pointed out that the solution to Baringo’s insecurity cannot be left only to police officers or military from other areas, who may not understand the community.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged MPs from Baringo County to play a hands-on role in helping resolve the security crisis facing their region, which continues to witness brutal highway attacks.
He appealed to area legislators to spend their recess engaging directly with their constituents, noting that they are well placed to engage with their communities and restore peace.
While addressing the House on Wednesday, Wetang’ula made a passionate appeal directly to Baringo MPs Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), William Makilap (Baringo North), William Kamket (Tiaty), Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), Richard Chematia (Baringo South), Joshua Kiptoo (Baringo Central) and Charles Kamuren (Baringo East).
“Go around your county and talk to those young people. Encourage them to stop wielding illegal firearms. It is those young men who vote for you, whom you use for both good and bad,” Wetang’ula said, underlining the vital role of the leaders in changing the situation.
He encouraged the MPs to take advantage of the current parliamentary recess to engage more closely with their people, especially the youth who are most affected by the violence.
“Some of those young men are your age, Kiborek, and I’m sure you can use your magic as a youth to get to them and talk to them,” he added, directing his remarks to MP Reuben Kiborek, who is the youngest among them.
Speaker Wetang’ula pointed out that the solution to Baringo’s insecurity cannot be left only to police officers or military from other areas, who may not understand the community.
Deeper connection
He said local leaders have a deeper connection and can help turn things around if they actively participate in conflict resolution efforts.
“Don’t wait for police officers from Nairobi to come solve your problems; be the solution your people need,” he said.
Baringo County has been facing rising levels of insecurity, with armed criminals terrorising roads and launching daylight ambushes, no longer limited to cattle raids. They now target traders and motorists, often in well-planned attacks.
In the latest incident, a convoy of 15 lorries transporting traders and goods to Chemolingot in Tiaty West was attacked by gunmen in Loberer, just 15 minutes into their journey from Marigat.
Two people were killed, and another was injured, despite the presence of a police escort. The attackers fired at the convoy, robbed some of the passengers, and fled into nearby bushes.
The attack happened at around 8:30 am on the Marigat–Loruk road. According to trader Johnstone Kiprich, the group had hoped the escort would protect them.
“The driver of one of the lorries panicked when the shooting started, abandoned the vehicle, and fled into the bushes. The attackers pursued and shot him dead,” he said.
This attack came less than two weeks after three traders were shot and injured along the same route.
County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa said that due to the continued attacks, police now escort traders and motorists along the dangerous stretches.
Locals say that the Loruk-Chemolingot, Loruk-Kagir, Yatya-Chemoe, and Ng’aratuko-Kagir roads are hotspots, where gunmen regularly ambush travellers.
Top Stories Today
