Kainuk residents finally re-open the Kitale-Lodwar road

The Kitale- Lodwar road was re-opened on Sunday evening after being blocked for more than 48 hours at Kainuk. According to Red Cross officials, a traffic jam caused by the blockade stretched for more than 10 KM

The road was barricaded by residents of Kainuk angered by constant raids by suspected Pokot cattle rustlers. The protest was triggered by Friday’s shooting of three people by suspected Potot raiders who also made away with dozens of cows and goats from the Kainuk common grazing ground

The heavy presence of securityofficials could not get the residents of Kainuk to back down. They were seeking an assurance of their security and an audience with president Uhuru Kenyatta or his deputy William Ruto

Close to a thousand travelers including women and children were left stranded. The Kenya Red Cross was providing bread, milk and water during the entire time

Talks between residents and local leaders to try and remove the blockade lasted several hours. Those present included  Turkana’s Senator John Munyes, Turkana South MP James Lomenen and the county security committee led by the county commissioner Julius Mathenge

The talks bore some fruits at around 5 pm on Sunday after the leaders managed to convince Kainuk residents to open up the road. However, an uneasy calm still prevails in the area.

There has been constant conflicts between the Turkana and Pokot over a long standing boundary dispute