Six people have been killed in an ambush attack that was allegedly carried out by suspected bandits in Kerio valley at the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties.
Marakwet East Assistant County Commissioner Wilson Tangus confirmed the incident stating that the bandits crossed to West Pokot border and attacked Cheptulel location, killing four people before driving away with approximately 400 cattle.
In retaliation, Pokot raiders attacked a village in Marakwet, Tot center, killing two people and injuring more others.
"At about 6 pm, the Marakwet youth drove the cows away towards Marakwet but were accosted by a group of attackers from Baringo County.
[caption caption="Armed men herding cattle"]
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“We suspect that the West Pokot herders sought for reinforcement from their Baringo counterparts,” he stated.
Pokot Central Deputy Commissioner Geoffrey Kithinji on his part stated that the raiders ambushed herders at Chesogon village on Friday.
“The raiders ambushed herders while grazing their livestock at Chesegon village along the border and indiscriminately shot at them. Several animals were killed in the heavy gunfight.”
Mr Kithinji further assured that security officers have been deployed along the border to quell the looming crisis.
He called upon peace committee members in the community to ensure the animals are recovered and handed to the owners.
[caption caption="Armed herder "]
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“We don’t want this vice to continue along the border since we recently opened Chesegon market to help unite the two communities,” he noted.
