Speaker Wetang’ula presses Baringo MPs to tackle rising insecurity
The Speaker’s comments follow an increase in attacks by armed criminals on roads in Baringo, where banditry has evolved from cattle theft into violent highway robberies.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on Members of Parliament from Baringo County to actively lead efforts to tackle insecurity in their region by engaging directly with their communities.
Addressing MPs during Wednesday's session of the National Assembly, Wetang’ula challenged legislators from the troubled region to step beyond their legislative duties and help restore peace on the ground.
He spoke directly to Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), William Makilap (Baringo North), William Kamket (Tiaty), Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), Richard Chematia (Baringo South), Joshua Kiptoo (Baringo Central), and Charles Kamuren (Baringo East), urging them to use the parliamentary recess to connect with the people they represent.
"Go around your county and talk to those young people. Encourage them to stop wielding illegal firearms. It is those young men who vote for you, whom you use for both good and bad," Wetang’ula said.
He stressed that the MPs have a unique opportunity to reach local youth involved in insecurity, especially given their close ties to the communities.
His remarks came amid rising concern over bandit attacks and ambushes along key roads in Baringo County.
Wetang’ula noted that while security officers are important, community leaders can often play a more effective role because of their local knowledge and trust among residents.
"Some of those young men are your age, Kiborek, and I’m sure you can use your magic as a youth to get to them and talk to them," he said.
He also urged the lawmakers not to wait for external interventions.
"Don’t wait for police officers from Nairobi to come solve your problems; be the solution your people need," he added.
The Speaker’s comments follow an increase in attacks by armed criminals on roads in Baringo, where banditry has evolved from cattle theft into violent highway robberies.
In the latest incident, a convoy of lorries ferrying goods to Chemolingot in Tiaty West was attacked, leading to the deaths of two people and injuries to another.
This took place at Loberer on the Marigat–Loruk road at around 8:30 a.m., despite the convoy being under police escort.
According to a trader, Johnstone Kiprich, the lorries were carrying traders and goods from Mogotio and Marigat towns to the Nginyang livestock market.
"The driver of one of the lorries panicked when the shooting started, abandoned the vehicle, and fled into the bushes.
The attackers pursued and shot him dead," Kiprich said.
County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa confirmed that due to repeated attacks, police now escort traders along affected roads. Locals identified hotspots like Moinonin and Loruk shopping centres as frequent ambush sites.