Six killed in bandit attacks
Kapenguri County Referral Hospital.
What you need to know:
- One person was killed at Chepkokou on the Marakwet side early Thursday morning.
- In the second incident, five people who were on their way to Kamelei livestock market were shot dead.
Six people have been killed by armed bandits along the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties in two separate incidents.
One person was killed at Chepkokou on the Marakwet side early Thursday morning.
In the second incident, five people who were on their way to Kamelei livestock market were shot dead. The killings happened at Kipchumo area.
Chepkokou chief Benjamin Tiamale said armed bandits from West Pokot raided a homestead at dawn on Thursday and killed a middle-aged man.
“We have confirmed five deaths at Chepkokou location in West Pokot side and one death in Elgeyo Marakwet. Two people from the same family were killed,” he said.
Weiwei ward administrator Nelson Lotuangiro added: "After killing the five, the armed raiders dashed to the Marakwet side. A father and his son are among the people who were killed. Their ages range from 20 to 45."
Chesegon Assistant County Commissioner Naftali Kipkorir confirmed the deaths.
"We are pursuing the suspects. Our officers are on the ground to calm the tense situation," Mr Kipkorir said.
Pokot South Deputy County Commissioner Frederick Kimanga said Pokot raiders killed a man without stealing any livestock at Kipchumwo location in Marakwet East.
"The Marakwets retaliated and stole six cows at Kamulogon areas in Pokot Central. They later killed a number of people in Pokot Central.”
The attacks came at a time the volatile region has been experiencing relative peace.
