This archive report was first published on 30 June 2021.
West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio has condemned the recent bandit attacks in the Kerio Valley region, which have left three people dead and scores injured.
The attacks, which began on Monday night, were carried out by bandits from the neighbouring Elgeyo Marakwet county, according to Senator Poghisio.
He urged security personnel in the region to move swiftly and quell the tension, as well as investigate the attacks.
Senator Poghisio's office is working with the police to protect residents and restore peace in the region.
The Kerio Valley, which had earned the infamous 'Valley of Death' name following attacks that resulted in more than 150 deaths between 2016 and 2019, had started to flourish after a peace accord was signed in July 2019.
However, the recent attacks have again threatened the peace efforts achieved in the region.
Local peace committees, which were set up to sustain the hard-fought peace between the two communities, are worried about the fresh attacks.
Wilson Kirop, the chairman of the Chesogon border peace committee, said that the peace committees from the two communities were scheduled to meet to discuss the recent attacks, but the killings on both sides have stalled efforts to restore peace.
He added that tension was high along the border, and that 14 cows from the Marakwet community were stolen three days ago, with efforts to recover them being futile.
