2 Killed, 7 Nursing Gunshot Injuries Amidst Attack By Bandits In Arror

ELGEYO MARAKWET,Kenya, Mar, 21 – Two people were shot dead while seven others sustained serious gunshots injuries after they were attacked by bandits in Koitilial area in Marakwet West.

According to preliminary reports, the unknown assailants are said to have descened on the area after  crossing over from neighboUring Baringo county.

The incident is said to have occurred on Sunday at around 1pm.

“We were in our farm, they attacked us and started shooting us. I was shot on the arm while my friend was shot on the leg. They were too many, I don’t even remember…I woke up fast and ran,bodaboda riders took me to the hospital,”said,Nelson Kiplimo,victim.

During the incident, at least 600 cattle are said to have been stolen.

“We have lost our  women,men,boys, who were just doing their jobs. What is the government doing to protect us?,”said Jane Chebaibai,Elgeyo Marakwet Women representative.

The leaders faulted the national government and Interior cabinet secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i in particular, saying that despite announcing a security operation would be launched in the area, no peace has been achieved.

In February Matiang’i during a meeting with leaders from Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and West Pokot County said that the government would launch an Immediate operation to evict invaders in Muchongoi area of Baringo South in Baringo County.

The CS said the deployment of security agents for the operation will be ruthless and will employ maximum available power including aerial operations.

He said there will be recruitment of National Police Reservists in affected area to beef up security.

“Each and everyday we bury a soul because of bandits, we do not know how powerful these people are, Mr president tell us if these people are powerful than the government,” said Caroline Ngelechei, resident Elgeyo Marakwet.

There are now concerns that the recent incident will affect the ongoing KCSE examinations as residents further say that the bandits also raided and destroyed shops at the Koitilial center.

The bodies of the deceased are being preserved at the Iten referral hospital morgue while the seven are receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Iten sub county hospital.