Ten people killed along Isiolo-Samburu border

ISIOLO, KENYA: At least 10 people have been killed in a gun battle between rival communities at Isiolo and Samburu border.

The gun battle started at around 1 pm and is said to be between herdsmen from Turkana from Isiolo County and Samburu from Samburu County.

Isiolo police Commander Nelson Okionga confirmed on Tuesday evening that the Isiolo side lost eight people and four were injured adding that the bodies are at Isiolo Level Four Hospital mortuary.

''I can only confirm the bodies that were brought from the scene. Eight people from the Turkana community are confirmed dead,'' Mr Okionga told Standard Digital on phone.

Sources from Samburu side reported that two people were killed and six others injured.

The commander said the gun battle ensued following an attempt by the Isiolo side to steal livestock from the Samburu herders.

''It was an attempted rustling incident by the Isiolo side and they were pursued and ambushed,'' said the officer.

Isiolo Kenya Red Cross Society coordinator Sora Bitacha said volunteers from the organisation rushed to the scene along with the police and helped to bring the bodies and those injured to Isiolo.

''I saw eight bodies and scores injured. The bodies are at the Isiolo mortuary while the injured are at the same facility,'' said Mr Bitacha.

Most of the killings occurred at Leruko on Isiolo side, a few metres from the bridge that connects Isiolo's Buffalo Springs game reserve with Samburu Park.

Some killings, according to sources in Samburu occurred within the game park on Samburu County side where the rustling incident took place.