Insecurity in Laikipia county has raised national concerns after bandits have raided several places stealing livestock and killing their victims. On Friday, the bandits killed a Kenya Police Reservist in Kariunga area, when he had colleagues move to check information pertaining to strangers spotted nearby.
The reservist Daniel Karicho was sprayed with bullets before the gang of unknown number fled through the thickets, as the security team followed them. The residents said due to the presence of the bandits looming within the community, they are forced to speak in low tones, over fear of being marked and being attacked in revenge.
” Death of Karicho is a major blow to the community as he was dedicated to maintaining security in the parts of Segera ward,” said a man who gave his name as Richard. Karicho was killed as President William Ruto while addressing public at Rumuruti grounds in Laikipia announced more KPR will be recruited to help deal with the security matters in the villages they come from.
The attack follows last week’s incident in Ethi where residents raised alarm over the increased attacks by the bandits.
” We need the government to upgrade Ethi patrol; base to a fully-fledged police station to enable the security team to effectively deal with the bandits,” said a resident. Following the residents’ concern Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri and his Laikipia North counterpart Mr Sarah Lekorere were forced to convene a security baraza to address the public concerns.
Two weeks ago, two young cousins (a man and a woman) were killed under mysterious circumstances in Rumuruti town, as they were heading home from an evening church function (Kesha).
The residents protested demanding action calling for Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu to intervene, before the police lobbied them with teargas cannisters.