Two killed, animals stolen as attackers hit Baragoi

Baragoi

Animals being driven home after grazing in Baragoi, Samburu County.

Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group

Two people were Sunday evening shot and killed in separate incidents in Baragoi, Samburu North.

In the first incident, a 10 year-old boy was shot dead when armed bandits stormed Natiti village in Baragoi and stole an unknown number of livestock.

The minor was attacked while in an ambush by the rustlers believed to be members of a rival neighbouring community as he looked after cattle.

Samburu North Sub-County Police Commander Tom Makori told the Nation that the victim died on the spot.

"The attackers ambushed and shot the boy before driving away animals," said Mr Makori.

He said police were pursuing the suspects who fled after the incident and that security had been beefed up in the area.

In the second attack, a 30 year-old bodaboda rider was shot dead by unknown assailants in Nkoriche area while on his way from South Horr, inĀ  what is believed to be a retaliatory attack targeting a rival community following the first incident.

Man injured

The 7pm attack also left a 25-year-old man severely injured.

Bodies of the victims were taken to Maralal Referral Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination while the injured person was taken to Baragoi Health Centre for treatment.

"We are vigilant and security operations are going on to make sure that peace prevails in the area. We are not going to relent until we apprehend the attackers. Police officers are on the ground," Mr Makori said.

The police boss urged locals not to retaliate but give security officers time to pursue and arrest the attackers. He also appealed to the public to provide information that might lead to the arrest of the attackers.

Support police

He at the same time called on political leaders to join in the war against insecurity by giving the necessary support to security officers. He cautioned them against inciting communities.

"We will neutralise insecurity in Baragoi if leaders join hands and support police officers and avoid inciting communities against each other," he added.

Mr Makori warned youths and morans against engaging in criminal activities, saying that they will not be spared if found guilty.

Insecurity has risen in Samburu North in recent days with warring communities launching retaliatory attacks whenever one of their members is killed.

Many families have been impoverished by decades-long tribal conflicts brought about by inter-communal livestock raids between the Samburu and Turkana in Suguta Valley.

Scores of people have perished at the hands of bandits in Samburu North where raiders with illegal guns attack at will.

The increased proliferation of sophisticated automatic rifles such as AK-47s has made the situation in Samburu North worse.