From bandits to floods: Rains wreak havoc at refugee camp in Baringo

It is a double tragedy for families who fled their homes due to banditry in Baringo County after the ongoing rains threatened their lives and those of their young children.

The heavy rains that pounded the area destroyed makeshift tents in Moinonin, Baringo North which they have called home after fleeing their homes following a series of attacks and killings in the area.

The internally displaced families are staring at a health crisis following a few reported cases of Malaria and symptoms of Cholera due to poor sanitation and congestion.

"Huku ilinyesha maji ilitambaa kila mahali," said Gladys Kaptiony after the heavy downpour.

Citizen TV visited the area where mothers and children have to contend with the cold weather with nowhere to lay the young souls to sleep and nowhere to light the fire.

Sorrow was written on the IDP's faces as they pondered the next move following reports of more attacks back in their villages by bandits.

A resident Solomon Chemitei  said: "Malaria imezidi sasa ikizidi malaria sisi inaenda Marigat hata watu wa Redcross imeletea sisi dawa siku mbili tukikula malaria inazidi, ukiona imezidi tunaenda Loruuk."

Four locations in Baringo North Sub County are deserted, with 2,700 families displaced and 20 schools closed.

As the rains continue, the situation here could get worse with the risk of disease outbreak, widows who lost their husbands to banditry carrying their families' burden on their shoulders.

Following the heavy rains in different parts of the country, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has closed the North Horr- Kalacha Road.

In a statement, KeNHA said motorists are expected to resume using the road after an inspection and reconstruction of the damaged parts has been conducted.

The National Transport And Safety Authority (NTSA) has cautioned road users to be extra vigilant and reduce speed to minimize road accidents caused by slippery surfaces and poor visibility.