In Summary
- Katilu Ward MCA James Abei who was among those who pursued the attackers said they are yet to account for everyone.
- Locals claimed Pokots are using the attacks in a bid to acquire up to 100 kilometres on land inside their county.
- Mr James Ekadeli, a police reservist in Loyapat, said residents are attacked while collecting firewood, fetching water, travelling to town centres to sell animals or buy food.
By SAMMY LUTTA
Armed bandits killed seven people and seriously injured a similar number in a dawn attack on a village in Turkana County on Sunday.
The attackers who stormed Kakunyuk village in Turkana South around 1am also drove away an unknown number of camels and goats.
Sub-County Administrator John Lokoli said two people were killed in their manyatta before the attackers stole their animals.
“The others were killed when a group of herders chased the bandits and severally engaged them in gun fights eight kilometres away,” Mr Lokoli said. He said they are yet to establish the exact number of people who went after the bandits.
Bodies of those killed were taken back to the village for burial while the injured are admitted to Lodwar District Hospital.
ACCOUNT FOR EVERYONE
Katilu Ward MCA James Abei who was among those who pursued the attackers said they are yet to account for everyone.
“The search is still on for the villagers who have not been found,” Mr Abei said adding some goats have been recovered.
Turkana South deputy county commissioner Elijah Kodoh said Anti Stock Theft Unit officers have been deployed in the area to coordinate efforts recovery the animals.
Locals claimed Pokots are using the attacks in a bid to acquire up to 100 kilometres on land inside their county.
“Armed Pokot herders have invaded Turkana South and are grazing their animals in our territory by force,” Mr James Kisike, a resident, told Nation.
“They are also forcing locals to keep as few animals as possible so that the rest of the grazing land is left to them,” he claimed.
Mr James Ekadeli, a police reservist in Loyapat, said residents are attacked while collecting firewood, fetching water, travelling to town centres to sell animals or buy food.
“Entry of Pokots into Turkana has destabilize our security,” Mr Ekadeli lamented further.