Two shot dead, one injured in confrontation with KDF soldiers

Two people were shot dead on Saturday at Chebarus village in Kiplombe in Turbo constituency, Uasin Gishu County, following confrontation between area residents and armed men believed to be Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers from Moi Barracks.

The shooting occurred when members of the public allegedly protested the erection of a beacon at Chebarus Primary School. 

The genesis of the deadly wrangle is believed to be the ownership of 9000 acres of land with each party claiming ownership.

According to one resident by the name Philip Tarus, armed soldiers in KDF vehicles stormed a local dispensary demanding to erect what they alleged to be military communication booster.

"A group of soldiers stormed Chebarus Dispensary demanding to demarcate a place where they intend to build a communication booster leading to a confrontation with the residents," Mr Tarus said.

After the fatal shooting, it took the police more than four hours to remove the bodies from the scene.

Another person, who was critically injured during the shooting, has been admitted at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).

Both police and KDF were reluctant to comment on the incident. 

Area leaders, including Uasin Gishu County Governor Jackson Mandago, have since visited the scene and called for calm as police investigate the incident. 

On his part, Turbo MP Janet Sitienei accused the military of using excessive force.