Motorists Stranded as Residents Protest Brutal Killings on Busy Highway
Residents in Nakuru County have taken to the streets in anger, blocking the busy Marigat-Nakuru
Highway with large stones and bonfires to protest the killing of two locals and the injury of two others by suspected highway robbers. The violent incident occurred on April 21 in the Loberrer area.
The protests have brought traffic along the highway to a complete stop, making the road unusable and causing a major disruption in transport and business activities in the region.
The demonstrators are demanding urgent justice for the victims and a stronger police presence to improve security in the area.
According to reports, the tragic incident took place along the Marigat-Loruk road in Baringo County when suspected bandits ambushed traders and disrupted normal business operations.
Two people were shot and killed, while two others sustained serious injuries during the attack, which happened despite the group being under police escort.
The victims were on their way to Nginyang market, a popular trading center, to sell livestock when they were ambushed.
Two lorries were targeted during the assault. Agnes Chepkeny, the chairperson of Mariget Market, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
She said that every Monday, traders travel to Nginyang market as part of their normal routine, but on this particular day, they received heartbreaking news that some of their colleagues had been attacked and killed.
“It is a very painful day for all of us. Monday is our regular market day. But today, we received terrifying news that some of our people were attacked and killed while on their way to trade. It is devastating,” Agnes said emotionally.
One of the lorry drivers who survived the attack described how the incident unfolded. He said the ambush occurred around 8 a.m. as they approached a slope where the bandits had strategically positioned themselves.
The driver managed to escape unharmed, but tragically, his co-driver was shot and died on the spot.
“The only reason I am alive is because I didn’t stop after the first gunshot. I sped off immediately. They fired many bullets at my lorry, and unfortunately, my co-driver was killed,” the driver explained.
He added that the driver of the second lorry also lost his life during the attack. “After seeing our lorry being ambushed, he stopped and tried to run away on foot, but he was shot dead,” he added.
This attack is just one in a series of violent incidents that have rocked Baringo County over the past two months.
Residents say the frequency and brutality of the attacks have increased significantly, causing widespread fear and tension.
Local authorities are concerned that the nature of the violence is evolving. What was once mainly cattle rustling has now shifted to outright highway robbery and attacks on innocent traders.
“The nature of the banditry has changed. It is no longer just about stealing cattle. They are now targeting highways and attacking traders directly,” said the area Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD).
Residents are now calling on the government to take swift action to restore peace and protect people who rely on trade and transport for their livelihood.
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