Facebook | Messages – MARALAL-WAMBA ROAD SECURITY – From Kevin Olesipna Lemantaan

Maralal 4th May 2010

On 4th may2010, I was planning to drive back to Archer’s from Maralal. I felt insecure given the shaky security situation on our roads especially in Barsilinga River with an history of deadly banditry attacks by rogue young generation of morans called the Lkichami. But I was assured by the OCDP that the road is now safer and Kenya police reservist (KPR) has been installed in various points along the way. On my way, I came across two KPR men from Archer’s Post who asked for a lift. Apparently we knew each other well and I was quick to offer them a ride knowing they would provide security. I warned them to be alert because the road is not secure in some identified points.

When we reached Barsilinga River, armed men stopped us but fortunately it was the KPR asking for a token. I asked them if they are getting paid for this. They said no and to make it worse they only had 2 bullets each. I was so worried how could the men defend vehicles and matatus plying the road from attack by rogue Lkichami with 100-200 rounds of ammunition?

From Kevin Olesipina Lemantaan
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There is a local who lost his life in the same spot by deliberate killings by this scalawag young generation of morans. There are several attacks and robberies done to locals using the route. Even early this year, a crew of 6 people including parish priest on Archer’s Post catholic parish vehicle were molested on the same spot and they had to plead a lot to be set free after they were robbed everything. This has been a challenge to the district to date and the reason of installation of the KPR on hot spots. Even on 15th of Mar this year, when I passed by the same place on my way from Maralal to Nairobi via Isiolo, surely I saw two home guards seated nearby under an acacia tree and immediately I guessed they may be providing security following notorious cruelty caused by the morans. The place is so remote with a seasonal Barsilinga River, no water, no food and a nearby commercial center Lodung’okwe is about 22kms away. There is a shallow bridge in poor condition cut off from the road on both ends that makes drivers to slow down while crossing over it. That is what makes the warriors to view the place as the best hitting point

As per Kevin’s worries, the guards are poorly supplied with adequate munitions, lack of payments and/or allowances and ends up begging living on the mercy of matatu drivers and other well wishers from the passing by vehicles.

The KPR should be treated well, financed, maintained and supplied with all hardware they need for their roles. This will restore sanity in our roads and see an end to road banditry within and without the district. But also the Waso peace caravan should not only address the issue of cattle rustling alone, but also banditry and other troubles caused by warriors to the society. If you are reading this and feels you are in a position to let the authorities and especially the OCPD to do something, please assist.

Thanks

Tom Lolosoli
Secretary
SEDF