MARSABIT,Kenya, Dec, 19 – Police have launched a probe in Marsabit county following the killing of 12 people in two separate attacks in Saku constituency.
According to preliminary reports, the first incident on Saturday saw the unknown assailants storm Jaldesa village,stealing an estimated 1,000 heads of cattle.
Also stolen were 300 goats and sheep.
The attackers according to Marsabit county police commander Robinson Mboloi were heavily armed.
Police are shortly after said to have reported to the scene as a gun battle ensued.
8 people were caught in the cross fire and died immediately while three others sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital.
Security has since been heightened in the area amidst concerns of retaliatory attacks. Police from the border patrol unit have since launched a manhunt for the assailants.
In what appeared to be simultaneous attacks, Kubi Qallo area was also raided in the second incident with 800 heads of cattle reportedly stolen.
Police also say 1,500 goats and sheep were stolen.
Four people were also killed during the attack.
“In the shootout, four other people lost their lives, when police got the information they went to the area and with the help of locals recovered the stolen animals,” said Mboloi.
A contingent of police officers has since been deployed to the area.
“We urge for support from local leaders and others. We are determined to find a solution to this perennial problem,” said Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai.
The attacks are a source of concern for locals as just last month, six other people were killed within the same constituency.
Locals meanwhile have pointed an accusing finger to area leaders saying that some are to blame for the attacks.
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