Seven raiders shot dead after attacking village
At least seven Samburu men were killed and one seriously injured on Saturday after suspected Samburu raiders attacked a village.
Isiolo County police commander Nelson Okioga said that 40 cows were also killed after being sprayed with bullets.
Isiolo Hospital Superintendent Abdikadir Guyo said a man who sustained serious gunshot wounds was transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi for specialised treatment.
Mr John Eleregai, a survivor, said the attackers whose number is unknown surrounded the village and started shooting indiscriminately.
“They had sophisticated firearms and there was an exchange of fire between the two groups. Seven Samburus, who were part of the gang died,” he said at the hospital where he had helped transport the bodies.
Isiolo County commissioner Wanyama Musiambo said security officers are pursuing the attackers who fled towards the Isiolo Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, adding that another team will keep vigil at the village to deter any attacks.
The pastoralist communities in the area clash frequently over water and pasture.
On Tuesday last week, government drove out more than 5,000 livestock at the reserve.
CAUSE OF CONFLICT
The area is a major cause of conflict between the Samburus and Turkanas.
“The government will arrest any herder or owners of the livestock invading the game reserve,” the commissioner said.
Learning has also been disrupted with Ariemet, Loruko, Attan Primary Schools being shut.
Saturday’s attack is believed to be in retaliation for the killing of five Samburu men on May 26 at Attan area.
Investigations by police say the attacks could have been fuelled by incitement from local politicians.
Already, two MCAs have been arrested and charged in court in connection with the attack.
Oldonyiro MCA David Lemantile and his Ngaremara counterpart Peter Losu were charged with incitement and released on a cash bail of Sh25,000. The case will be mentioned on June 16.
Isiolo Deputy Governor Mohammed Guleid told the Sunday Nation that leaders from both communities must talk to their people to ensure no more lives are lost.
This story firsts appeared on the Sunday Nation