Professionals from the Kerio Valley of Elgeyo Marakwet have expressed outrage over the increasing cases of insecurity in the area.
The professionals led by Anthony Pepsi particularly condemned the recent killing of three peacemakers by bandits believed to have crossed over from Tiaty in Baringo County.
Pepsi said it was sad that bandits have brutally murdered people who were committed to peace and stability in the region.
"It is shocking that innocent people who were keen to ensuring peace prevailed between the Pokots and Marakwets along the Kerio Valley were brutally murdered by bandits near River Kerio three days ago. This is a big blow to peace efforts," Pepsi said.
Speaking at Chesongoch where they had visited the bereaved families to console them, Pepsi urged the government to take drastic measures to end banditry and cattle rustling.
"We ask the government to move with speed and bring this nonsense to an end. It's just becoming too much for the residents to bear," Pepsi said.
The professionals noted that the three leaders killed among them a primary school teacher had committed most of their time and resources to the fight against insecurity along the Kerio Valley.
He appealed to President William Ruto to personally intervene to have the problem solved.
Pepsi argued that insecurity in the valley has hampered efforts by the government to develop the agriculturally rich Kerio Valley, saying the situation was now getting out of control.
"We want the government to deal ruthlessly with the few criminal elements terrorizing wananchi along the Kerio Valley. No community should protect criminals from their respective areas if lasting peace has to be realized.'
He said the government can end insecurity challenges in the region and that it was time to say enough is enough and act.
Pepsi expressed concern that schools might not reopen for the first term for fear of attacks by the bandits.
The professionals also called for compensation for all families who have lost their loved ones to bandits and cattle rustlers.
"Residents of Kerio Valley are also Kenyans who should be protected like other people. Our lives also matter and must be protected by the government. We are not children of a lesser God," he said.
He asked MPs from the region to come up with a motion in Parliament demanding compensation for all families affected by insecurity along the Kerio Valley.
Pepsi urged that a lot of resources have been wasted in fighting insecurity at the expense of development in health, education, water and agriculture among other sectors.
He said unless all firearms in the wrong hands were collected by the government, peace will not be achieved along the Kerio Valley.
"The major cause of insecurity in this region is the presence of illegal firearms. The government should get rid of such firearms to pave way for lasting peace,” he said.
Pepsi said the presence of Kenya Army in the region had drastically reduced acts of lawlessness, saying more must be done to tame the menace.