Meria
Elder Lister
The Rift Valley security team is investigating claims that a helicopter has frequently been spotted landing on Korkoron Hills in Baringo County where hundreds of armed bandits graze livestock. This is amid fears that powerful individuals might be supplying ammunition to the bandits. Locals, including police reservists, made the claims during a peace meeting that brought together the county security team, national government administrators and political leaders on Tuesday in Mochongoi in Baringo South. The meeting was convened by Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Mohamed Maalim, who toured troubled parts of the region following recent killings. Mr Maalim confirmed that the claims had also arisen during an earlier county security team meeting. On Tuesday, Mr Maalim toured Kasiela, Sinoni and Lamaiywe villages. He also unveiled a cohort of newly commissioned police reservists who will supplement security officers stationed in trouble spots. Locals who spoke at the meeting demanded that the government makes public the registration details of the helicopter, its owners and its mission there, saying, each time it’s spotted, attacks occur after a day or two. Mr Eric Kibet, a former police reservist, said:“ For one to fly a helicopter or any other aircraft, one must get a license from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. We need to be told who owns [the helicopter] and what business it engages in. If it is the one supplying ammunition to bandits, it must be shot down.” Mr Kibet said the white helicopter was first spotted in early January, a few weeks after bandits suspected to hail from neighbouring Laikipia County arrived in the area.
