Man shot dead in Pokot-Turkana border conflict

WEST POKOT COUNTY: One person has been confirmed dead and another seriously wounded in fresh gun fights in Turkwel, along the border of West Pokot and Turkana counties.

Turkwel assistant County Commissioner for special duties Charles Kitumwa said the attacks were carried out in different villages within the volatile border region.

Mr Kitumwa said the 40-year-old man who was searching for gold at Chepaoon village was accosted by the attackers Sunday morning in Sarmach area of Pokot Central sub-county and shot at close range.

“Three armed men, suspected to be Turkana warriors, shot the old man and escaped immediately. We are not sure about their intention,” he said.

The other victim, a middle-aged-man, met his fate later in the evening when he was shot in the stomach by unknown attackers, critically wounding him. The attackers vanished soon after the shooting.

Lopeyo Longepus, who is in his early 30s, hails from Turkana but lives in Kamuria village in West Pokot County.

 DISPUTED AREA

Kitumwa said security officers who arrived at the scene rushed Longepus to Turkwel health centre, where he received first aid treatment before being transferred to the Kapenguria District Hospital.

By the time of going to press, the security officers had rushed to intervene in another dispute near Lorogon village, where exchange of fire was heard between armed groups.

The village, which lies along the border of the two counties and is dominantly inhabited by Turkana communities, has been at the centre of disputes between Turkana and Pokot communities over resources.

Kitumwa said tension was still rife in the surrounding area following the attacks. He, however, said the security personnel were working to ensure the situation returns to normal as they pursue the assailants.

 “Security personnel are working round the clock to ensure the situation returns to normal. We will pursue the assailants and make sure they are brought to book,” said Kitumwa.