Raiders steal 25 goats from local administrator in West Pokot

Turkana, Kenya: Tension is high at Nakwomoru area along the border of West Pokot and Turkana counties after armed bandits attacked a village and stole 25 goats belonging to a local administration officer.

Korpu location Chief Joseph Korkimur told the Standard that the bandits struck at about 11 am and abducted a minor who was herding his goats and made away with the animals.

He said the raiders took the goats towards Kaputir area in Turkana County while the minor managed to escape without any injury.

"The bandits found the minor as they struck the village and made away with my 25 goats. This time I have been a victim of the raid," he said.

Korkimur added that a gang of armed bandits also attacked a grader working on a road between Turkwel and Nakwomoru before they were repulsed by General Service Unit (GSU) who responded.

The chief disclosed that work on the road has since resumed as the workers have been provided with enough security to continue grading the road.

He however called on top security officers to beef up security along the volatile border region to curb the vice that has been so rampant.

"There have been too much attacks on villages along the border by raiders who steal herds of stock and there is need to beef up security in this region," he appealed.

Cases of insecurity have been rampant along the border with lives lost and several animals stolen in the recent past sparking tension in the area.

Highway banditry has also been rife along the Kapenguria – Lodwar highway with armed youths targeting motorists plying the route whom they maim, rob of valuables and in some cases kill.

Residents have since called on the government to beef up security in the region as youth leaders advocate for truce among conflicting communities through various peace initiatives.

The Pokot Council of elders has also been at the forefront of advocating for peace.