Two men were yesterday shot dead and another was seriously injured in an evening attack by armed bandits who ambushed locals living in Kenya Mpya village in Pokot Central Sub County along the West Pokot–Elgeyo Marakwet border.
The raiders who also made away with livestock are suspected to have come from the neighbouring Marakwet community. The resident who sustained serious injuries was taken to Kapenguria County hospital where he is recuperating. According to one resident, Kelvin Moutich, more than 100 attackers ambushed herders in the village, “They drove the cows and goats towards Embobut forest, Kipchumwa location,” he said, “We need the right investigations done and we don’t want blanket condemnation. Residents in Kamulogon, Chepkokoh and Kenya Mpya villages are living in fear.”
Confirming the incident, Pokot Central Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Were Simiyu said that locals from the Pokot and Marakwet communities who illegally reside in the forest and are in possession of firearms have started attacking each other.
He said tension has mounted after the incident and more police troops and National police Reservists have been deployed along the border of the two Counties to pursue the culprits and ease tension. “We have deployed KPRs who are well informed about the forest, they have launched a manhunt to return the stolen livestock,” said Were, “We are liaising with security officers from Elgeyo Marakwet County to calm the situation.”
Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong condemned the incident terming it inhumane, “We need peace to prevail in the area for development to be realized,” he said. He called for calm among residents and urged the government to disarm people with illegal firearms along the border of the two Counties.