Residents of Baringo South and its environs have to wait longer for mortuary services after unknown people broke into a mortuary at Marigat and stole body trays and power cables.

The only mortuary in Baringo South which was to cater for Tiaty and Baringo South was broken into and those who lost loved ones were forced to seek services in either Kabarnet, Ravine or Nakuru.

The mortuary which was constructed by the Baringo County government was aimed at bringing services closer to the people.

According to the public health officer at Marigat Sub County hospital, the high demand of scrap metal in the town has made idle youths in nearby areas engage in scrap metal business.

Meanwhile, elders condemned the incident, saying it is taboo to invade a mortuary which was meant to ease the burden, and urged the Government to consider banning the trade of scrap metals.  

Marigat mortuary has since stalled as the county seek funds to run it, meanwhile residents in the area have to incur more cost in preserving their loved ones. 

This is one of the many isolated cases, as infrastructure in Perkera irrigation scheme was also vandalized.

The Perkerra Irrigation Scheme, one of Kenya’s oldest and most vital agricultural projects, is under siege by vandals targeting metal infrastructure for scrap.

Established in 1954 by the colonial government, the Perkerra scheme was envisioned as a lifeline for food production in the arid Marigat region. 

Today, it remains a critical source of maize seed and fresh produce for thousands of families. 

In recent months, farmers have reported a surge in cases of vandalism along the irrigation canals. 

Metallic gate valves and water intake systems — essential components for regulating the flow of irrigation water — have become prime targets for scrap metal dealers. 

Under the cover of night, criminals dismantle and remove the heavy metal parts, selling them in nearby Marigat town for quick cash.

The consequences have been devastating. With gate valves missing, water gushes unchecked through canals, bypassing crucial redirection points that serve lower-lying farms.

“We are witnessing increasing fights among farmers,” said Daniel Waweru, manager of the Perkerra Irrigation Board.

“The scrap metal cartels have caused massive damage. These farmers depend entirely on controlled irrigation. Without the gate valves, we can’t ensure fair distribution of water.”

Waweru explained that the valves are crucial in regulating water flow, especially during peak demand seasons. “Without regulation, some farms flood while others are left dry. This creates resentment and mistrust within the community.”