By ERICK NGOBILO
In Summary
The April raids left more than 10 people dead and over 60 others injured in Kikwechi, Kibabii and Kimaeti villages
The victims also claim they were forgotten soon after the security situation improved
Residents of Bungoma County who suffered serious injuries in a wave of attacks in the region soon after the March 4 General Election have appealed to the government for medical assistance.
The April raids left more than 10 people dead and over 60 others injured in Kikwechi, Kibabii and Kimaeti villages.
Some of the injured are seeking help to continue with treatment after exhausting all their cash resources.
The victims also claim they were forgotten soon after the security situation improved.
“No one has ever bothered about the innocent victims. Majority of them were women and children who suffered various injuries at the height of the attacks,” said Mr Fred Wafula, whose arm was almost severed by the attackers.
Like Mr Wafula, many of the victims still nursing wounds say they have been forced to leave hospital and cut short their trips for check-ups due to lack of money.
“I still feel a lot of pain. I sold the only cow I had and cleared my hospital bill that had accumulated at Bungoma District Hospital. Since then, I have never gone back to hospital due to lack of money to pay for treatment,” said Mr Wafula, adding that before the attack he was a casual worker.
Now he has to stay at home, unable to fend for his family of six, since his hand was badly injured in the attack.
Mr Tobias Masafu, whose head was cut several times until he lost consciousness, said he had to sell part of his land to pay for medical expenses.
“My children have even been sent from school because I can’t pay fees. I urge the government to help me put my life back on track,” he said.
Mrs Rosemary Namaswa and Mr Caleb Kwanusu are bitter that the motive of the attacks has not been disclosed to date.
Mrs Namaswa said many locals still lived in fear since they did not know whether the attackers will return.