Tukrana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has strongly condemned the killing of a university student by suspected bandits.
In his speech to the residents when he visited the area to asses the situation and offer his condolences to the family and area residents, the Governor termed the killing as unfortunate, inhuman and a deliberate attempt to disrupt peaceful co-existence between the neighbouring Turkana and Pokot communities.
Residents reported that the deceased, a student on holiday trying to earn a living, was supplying water on motor bike to the artisanal miners at the recently opened gold mine at Kachilangiro before meeting his death when the armed bandits ambushed the site killing him instantly.
“This was a promising youth, he was working hard to make ends meet. This is unacceptable but we will not be cowed. My administration is ready to work with the security apparatus to arrest the perpetrators and hold them accountable for the killing,” the Governor said.
The Governor called on the Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security Kipchumba Murkomen to head his earlier calls for increased number of police reservists, saying that it would hugely contribute to improved security.
Citing that the county had prioritized peace building with all it’s neighbouring communities, the Governor pointed at the recently celebrated Nadapal and Lokiriama Peace accords as living examples of peace processes bearing fruits. He promised to apply the same approach to the Turkana-Pokot border areas to de-escalate the tension, fear and mistrust.
“Even as we search for lasting peace by supporting programs and activities contributing to the same, it is my belief that raising the number of NPRs to let’s say 50 for each hotspot will solve the problem permanently.
According to the Governor, the limited number of NPRs was already costing the county and watering efforts expended since bandit attacks had been reported at Kainuk and Napeitom in the recent past.
Local leaders also joined the Governor in condemning the killings. Samuel Aliwo, the chair of Public Service, Administration and Security reported that the fear and tension had led to temporary closure of mining activities further denying the residents of a means to livelihood.
“Am afraid that the bandits attacked intentionally to see if th government would react. If yes Government fails to take action, we are afraid that the bandits will become more bold and start terrorizing people without fear of repercussion. It is our suggestion that the government reacts in seven days,” Aliwo said.
Other members of county Assembly including Samal Etubon (Katilu Ward), Dorcas Epusiye (Nominated) and Michael Aemun (Kaputir) re-echoed the calls for speedy investigations and arrest of the perpetrators.
