Baringo — Baringo governor Benjamin Cheboi has lauded security agencies for speedily responding to the banditry attack in Baringo South that brought to safety school children and the locals.
Cheboi noted with happiness that nobody was killed during the incident highlighted by a section of media to have lasted for more than seven hours.
"I want to report to you that there was no casualty, nobody was killed. The only casualty is our children who are living in fear and yet they are preparing for their examinations," he said.
Cheboi who spoke on Wednesday at his office grounds in Kabarnet town during the launch of Sh 159 billion five-year County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) called for more support from all stakeholders whom he asked to empathize with the affected school children so that they can get an humble time to sit for the coming national examinations.
Governor Cheboi was joined by county Assembly Speaker Vincent Kemboi in condemning the attacks in parts of Mukutani and Mochongoi Wards that is threatening to paralyze administration of this year's national examination for both primary, Junior secondary and secondary schools.
He echoed the governor's sentiments over insecurity resulting from banditry and cattle rustling and asked members of the public to volunteer information that will assist security agencies manage the situation.
Kemboi called for prayers from all God loving people in the world saying victims of insecurity including school children in Baringo County and other affected parts of North Rift region need divine intervention for peace to prevail.
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During the event, governor Cheboi used it as a platform to lash at his political opponents and those eyeing for gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general elections saying it is too early for them to start campaigns.
He asked them to concentrate their energies and resources to consolidate their political base in an objective manner rather than engaging in negative politicking geared towards attacking his administration.
"I have no intention of retaining this seat. I am asking people who want the seat of a governor to be patient and work hard. Let the people know your passion so that in 2027 when you come and ask for a job as governor, they will give you," said Cheboi.
On the CIDP Cheboi welcomed development cooperation from all development partners to assist the county government to breach the resource and capacity gaps likely to be experienced during implementation of the CIDP noting that their support will help his administration to achieve the set targets for the 2023-2027 plan.
He urged the residents to take ownership of the development plan by actively getting involved in its implementation besides holding them accountable. He promised that any question that the county government will be asked by the public or any other interested entity concerning the CIDP implementation shall be answered satisfactorily. - Kna
