EDITORIAL Government should compensate banditry victims

The government should be focused on helping the victims of banditry. This crisis that has now been made a matter of national security by the national government has seen millions of people suffer after they have been displaced, left homeless and suffering in poverty. It is causing pain to the victims who are calling on the government to offer justice and compensation for their loss.

Banditry started back in 1977 and escalated in 2005 in parts of Tot, Endao, Chesoi Chepkesin, Chemoe, Yatya, Kagir, Mukutani Arabal, Rugus and Chebinyin in Elgeyo-Marakwet, Baringo North and Baringo South. It saw hundreds of people killed; others maimed and thousands displaced currently living as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The counties affected by banditry in North rift are Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, Turkana, West Pokot and Elgeyo-Marakwet. Some victims who get displaced from their ancestral land seek refuge from towns like Marigat and Kabarnet.

The bandits who are keen on expanding territories and fighting for natural resources like diatomite are using the land grabbed from the original owners to conduct projects at the expense of the minors. Currently, the Geothermal Development Company in Silale, Tiaty which is being funded by the government sits on land that was left after the owners fled rendering them homeless. Something that the victims did not wish on themselves.

The main problem facing the displaced owners of the land is poverty. Armed bandits managed to steal thousands of livestock leaving them to suffer in poverty. Just like other human beings, they do not have to pay the price, and instead, the government should see to it that they are well compensated and offered support for them to be able to live normal lives.

RURAL

MANAGING EDITOR

JOSEPH KANGOGO EDITOR

FREDDIE RASHFORD

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ANDY MARANGA

PRODUCTION MANAGER