Six killed in fresh banditry attacks in Kerio Valley

Six people were shot dead following a cross-border aggression in Kerio Valley that saw a fierce exchange of fire between armed Pokot bandits and police reservists on Saturday, April 22 evening.

Among the victims is 36-year old Joram Kanda, an employee of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) who had gone home to take part in the Jubilee Party primaries exercise that were later cancelled on Friday.

Kanda was shot alongside 57-year-old Marakwet elder, John Kipkiror Chugor, at Kabetwo and Kapkobil junction.

According to Kanda’s family, his death comes while they were still mourning Kanda’s elder brother, a police reservist who was also killed by bandits last month.

During the evening attack, four unidentified Pokot warriors were reportedly also killed along Turkwel power lines during a response crossfire between  the aggressors and team of police reservists and regular police who were on rapid response.

Scores are reported to have been injured.

According to Marakwet East Sub County Deputy County Commissioner, Eric Mulevu, tension is building up in the vast valley but security authorities are on high alert to contain the situation.

The Deputy County Commissioner confirmed the incident saying the police response was prompt though he regretted the banditry ambush carried out by the attackers at Kapkobil junction near the proposed site for Kerio valley university.