Soldiers sent to Turkana after raid
Army personnel have been deployed to the Turkana and West Pokot border after two security officers were killed by suspected Pokots.
Three other officers were injured during the incident. Soldiers in four helicopters landed at Kainuk trading centre to flush out the bandits.
On Monday, area security team, led by Turkana South district commissioner Joseph Kanyri, discussed how to contain the deteriorating security situation on the border of the two districts following renewed cattle rustling and banditry.
An inspector with the Anti-Stock Theft Unit and a corporal with the Kenya Wildlife Service were shot dead in the raid on Lochakula security camp on Sunday morning.
Harassing herders
Leaders in Pokot East District accused security personnel in Turkana East of harassing herders, which they said resulted in the raid that led to deaths and injuries.
Tirioko councillor Stephen Maklap said the herders were angered after the government sent a contingent of the General Service Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, Administration Police and regular police officers to the area.
“We regret the death of the officers but the government should be held responsible for the incident,” Mr Maklap told journalists at Marigat.
He said the herders, who occupy Lotang’ot in Central Pokot District with their more than 10,000 head of cattle, have lived peacefully with their neighbours but the officers sparked the confrontation by trying to forcefully eject the Pokots and confiscate their animals.
In another incident, bandits attacked Elelea area in Turkana East and stole more than 300 goats.
“The raiders attacked the village early in the morning and escaped with the stolen animals towards East Baringo,” said Turkana East district commissioner Daniel Obolla.
Security has been boosted on the border of Loima and Pokot North districts as tension built up in renewed rustling.
Loima district commissioner Moses Mutunga Ivuto said a contingent of General Service Unit personnel, regular and Administration Police and Kenya Police Reservists had been stationed at Kotaruk and Lorengeti on the border of the two districts to contain any attacks.
“Available information indicates that the raiders were regrouping, to launch attacks but our security personnel are on the ground to contain them,” said Mr Ivuto.
The district commissioner, however, appealed to members of the two communities to shun cattle rustling and banditry, as such activities hindered development.
“There is need for the two communities to embrace education and venture into income-generating activities to improve their living standards,” said Mr Ivuto.
