Operation intensified in Baringo as bandits target security officers

A medic attends to Kenya Police Reservist Nickson Pariyo at St Mary's Hospital in Nakuru County on June 9, 2017. He was shot and injured in the ongoing security operation in Baringo County. PHOTO | JOHN NJOROGE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Government has intensified operations to ensure normalcy returns in troubled areas.
  • Three police officers were shot by bandits in Kiserian area.

The government has intensified operations in Baringo County following the shooting of security officers last Friday.

The officers, including a General Service Unit (GSU) officer and Kenya Police Reservists (KPR), were shot and injured in confrontations between security personnel and bandits in the area.

They were taken to Mediheal and St Mary’s hospitals in Nakuru County where they are recuperating.

Three police officers were shot by bandits in the Kiserian area in the county during an operation to clear a blocked road.

Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Wanyama Musiambo said the government has intensified operations to ensure normalcy returns in troubled areas of the county.

“The government will not relent until order and sanity resumes. The government will deal ruthlessly with bandits in troubled areas. Any bandit who confronts security officers will meet the wrath of the officers,” he said.

The administrator also dismissed reports that residents of Rugus in Baringo were fleeing their homes after a Kenya Defence Forces officer was killed.

“The ongoing security operation in parts of Baringo County is bearing fruit,” he said.

Among the insecurity-prone areas in the county are Ng’elecha, Rugus, Arabal, Mochongoi and Chebinyinyi in Baringo South.

Ng’aratuko, Yatia and Chemoe in Baringo North are also affected.

More than 10 people have been killed and hundreds of families displaced in Baringo in the past six months.