In the wake of the recent banditry attack at Ng’aratuko Primary School in Baringo North, where pupils were in the midst of their examinations, questions have arisen regarding the state’s responsibility and the safety of our children.
Notably, the Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security, Professor Kithure Kindiki, was attending a security meeting in the same area when the attack took place.
This begs the question: why did this audacious attack occur in the presence of government officials? Have the bandits become brazen enough to challenge even well-armed paramilitary police camps? The safety of civilians, particularly our school-going children, is now a matter of grave concern.
As Kenyan students sit down to write their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams and Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) assessments, several regions of the country remain mired in insecurity.
The persistent problem of banditry in the North Rift region, encompassing Baringo, West Pokot, Samburu, Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Turkana, is a cause for alarm.
Within this troubled landscape, Baringo County stands out as a major hotspot. Historically, Tiaty constituency has been a notorious breeding ground and sanctuary for these bandits.
Shockingly, the most recent incident involved an audacious attack on a General Service Unit (GSU) camp in Baringo South, causing panic throughout the vicinity, including Kapindasum Primary School.
Moreover, residents have reported a suspicious helicopter frequently hovering over the banditry-prone villages of the North Rift region.
Last year, there was talk of a white helicopter, and this time, a blue one was seen flying over just before a surge in attacks.
This raises suspicions that the occupants may be involved in surveillance to aid the armed bandit attacks on the ground.
Even more troubling, residents claim that these bandits are utilizing helicopters to transport their weapons and ammunition, which have wreaked havoc across the entire North Rift region.
Evidently, this illicit business and criminal enterprise have persistently thrived in these counties for years.
Stolen animals were herded by cattle rustlers and reportedly sold in Nairobi, orchestrated by local and national leaders who seemed untouchable at the time.
President William Ruto’s visit to the region last September served as a stern warning to both the bandits and their supporters, but regrettably, there has been minimal change on the ground.
Several banditry attacks have targeted motorists and pedestrians. While our children sit for exams, villagers are deeply concerned, especially following the appearance of the blue helicopter over Baringo South, which coincided with the attacks. Local leaders have also voiced their demands for action, particularly following the killing of a police reservist and injuries to others during a recent raid.
It is widely acknowledged that the National Security Council (NSC) should visit the area and devise a solution for the disputed Kapedo border between Baringo and Turkana Counties, rather than merely summoning local politicians to provide statements at the DCI in Nakuru, as recently witnessed.
Therefore, we must prioritize the security of our children, not only to ease their panic but also to address the resurgence of bandit attacks in northern Kenya after the exams.
As investigations continue, it is imperative that the wealthy warlords funding this violence through helicopters are arrested and brought to justice, ensuring the protection of citizens, property, and our schools.
By Martin Kurgat
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