Several people feared dead in an aborted attack on Pokot herders

TURKANA, KENYA; Reports indicate that atleast 24 people suspected to be Turkana cattle raiders could have been killed at Yanyang and Lomelo grazing fields, in Akoret division in East Pokot, Baringo County following an aborted attack on Pokot herders on Friday evening.

A source who claimed to be a Pokot herder said two private Lorries that had been allegedly hired to ferry the attackers believed to include Kenya Police Reservists from Turkana East were also set ablaze.

Reports from the scene now described by government security organs, Red cross, and leaders as risky indicates that several Pokot herders were also injured in the exchange of fire that is said to have lasted more than five hours before the unknown number of attackers were over powered.

Tiaty deputy county commissioner Daniel Kurui confirmed the attack saying it occurred on Friday afternoon but said the exact figure of those killed or injured is yet to be established given the volatile nature of the region which had made it difficult for even officers to access the remote region.

"It is true an attack occurred on Friday at the border between Baringo and Turkana counties but security officers have not managed to access the area, the area is tense at the time but we are working around the clock to ensure that what took place is confirmed,'' he said.

He said communication with ground commanders have been hampered by unavailability of network in the area indicating that there was real concerns that fight among the Pokot and Turkana could have led to deaths as they had gotten intelligence that there were planned attacks by Turkana raiders.