Bandits wreaking havoc along the West Pokot and Turkana Counties have been warned against engaging in renewed attacks and banditry activities. This comes after three people were killed on Thursday in a retaliatory attack at Karon and Kaakong areas along the border of the Counties.
A boy aged 8 who was looking after cattle was killed by suspected bandits from the neighbouring Turkana County at Karon village, North Pokot Sub County while the other two were killed at Kaakong and Nakwomoru villages by suspected bandits from West Pokot County.
Tension remained high in the area following the attack as residents called on the government to beef up security in the area.
Speaking in Kapenguria, West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo has issued a stern warning to bandits wreaking havoc along the border of the two communities and said they shouldn’t mess the peace they’ve enjoyed.
Lonyangapuo condemned the incidents calling on leaders and residents not to incite locals and retaliate in case of any attack. “We don’t want conflicts. We should stay together in peace as neighbours,” he said.
Confirming the incident, West Pokot Police commandant Mr. Mathew Kuto said the reason for the attack hasn’t been unravelled since the attackers didn’t steal animals.
He said the boy had gone to look after cattle in the bushes and while on his way back home he was attacked by the unknown number of bandits who shot him and escaped without stealing anything.
He observed that the Kenya Police Reservists (KPR) who were nearby tried to pursue the bandits but they escaped towards Kaakong into Turkana County. Kuto said there has been relative peace along the border and asked the residents not to take advantage of the incident and revert to the outdated cultural practice.
