An improvised explosive device has been deactivated along the Galim-Keneghang stretch in Galim subdivision of the the West region by security elements this February 26, 2024.
The explosive device built up with a phone was detected at the moment the Divisional Officer (DO) of Galim, Tabi Chu Martin Agbor and his delegation were about heading to the royal palace of Bamendjing to take part in a traditional ceremony. The origin of the explosive device and who it was targeting remain unclear but many suspect it was targeting the DO’s convoy.
‘We were already in Bamendjing to take part in the Mo’o ritual when security elements suddenly alerted us saying we should go to the palace for our security,’ a witness told us.
‘We were then informed that an explosive had just been detected in Galim. It is the same road we took before reaching here. Thank God it did not explode,’ the witness added.
Local sources suspected the device was implanted by separatist fighters from the neighboring crisis hit North West region. Ga
lim is a locality bordered by Balikumbat and Santa in the North West region and has in the past, been threatened by separatist incursions. The most recent one happened at the market square of Bamenyam on November 21, 2023 with a raid by separatist fighters which claimed the lives of at least 9 persons.
The new DO of the locality was recently installed and had as major priority to fight against insecurity in the zone. The administrator had worked with Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique before his appointment as DO on Thursday January 18, 2024.
Source: Cameroon News Agency
After a brief halt due to a dispute with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the tarmacking of the Toropket-Kapnuria road in Marakwet West Sub County is set to resume. The road construction along the Chebororwa-Kokwongoi stretch, which passes through Toropket to Kapnuria, had faced a setback when KFS intervened, citing concerns over the impact on the surrounding forest.
Paul Koech, the County Forest Conservator, highlighted that the road’s route traverses approximately 5km of forest land, necessitating careful consideration of environmental impacts.
One of the primary concerns revolved around compensation for the removal of trees by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA), which is overseeing the road construction.
In a collaborative effort to resolve the impasse, KERRA, represented by David Kibet, the Resident Engineer of the road and Director for KERRA in Elgeyo Marakwet County engaged in discussions with KFS officials. Kibet expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating,
‘Amicable agreements have been r
eached, ensuring that the road construction can proceed smoothly.’
As part of the agreement, KERRA has committed to replanting trees removed for road construction in a designated area within the forest, as stipulated by KFS. This commitment aims to mitigate the environmental impact of the project while allowing the contractor to proceed unhindered.
Kibet further outlined measures to ensure the smooth continuation of work, including instructions for the contractor to focus on areas of the forest devoid of trees.
He expressed optimism about the project’s timeline, estimating that, barring weather-related delays, the road could be completed within four months.
Addressing concerns about community involvement, Kibet reassured that the contractor had sourced manpower locally, fostering a positive relationship with residents.
‘There have been no hiccups or hostility from them,’ he affirmed.
With the resolution of the impasse and a clear path forward established, stakeholders anticipate the timely completion of
the Toropket-Kapnuria road, which promises improved connectivity and enhanced access for local communities.
Source: Kenya News Agency