Troops deployed in the North Rift region have bombed a bandit’s hideout in Tandare valley, Baringo county.
According to Baringo residents living near the valley the bombing happened at 6 am on Thursday, March 16.
However, there are no further details available on the incident as the area remained a no-go zone after the lapse of the ultimatum by government for residents to leave the area.
Moreover, masses of people who vacated the targeted areas are currently camping at various places in need of food and shelter.
Tandare residents said they heard loud explosions amid claims that there was a bombing targeting bandit still holed up therein.
The bombing in Baringo came after the government assured residents of the area that the exercise will be conducted in line with the law.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki noted that the fundamental rights and freedoms of residents in the targeted areas will not be violated during the ground and air assault on suspected bandits.
“The government assures the public and all oversight agencies that no individual will be displaced from their home or places of habitual residence without support to settle elsewhere and lead their daily lives normally,” the CS said.
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Nevertheless, the government declared the counties of Samburu, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot and Laikipia as distressed and dangerous due to frequent incidents of violent bandit attacks.
As such, more than 140 people have lost their lives in the hands of marauding bandits in the last seven months in the named counties, including 20 security personnel.
Kenyans living in the marked areas where bandits are suspected to be hiding in caves, escarpments, forests, gorges, and rugged terrain were ordered to vacate before the onset of the operation.
Moreover, the joint Security Operation is led by the National Police Service (NPS) with the assistance of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Furthermore, the entire operation is headed by deputy Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow who is the Commander in charge.
