Two Kenya Police Reservists shot dead by raiders in Turkwel, firearms stolen

Turkwel, Kenya: Tension is high along West Pokot and Turkana border after two Kenya Police Reservists [KPR] were shot dead Monday morning at the Turkwel Hydroelectric power plant by armed raiders.

Confirming the incident to The Standard on a phone interview, Ombolion area Chief Joseph Korkimul said that the two security officers were gunned down by suspected raiders after they ambushed them while on patrol.

Korkimul said the two KPRs, Kapusya Lipole and Pusya Loreng, were shot dead by assailants at the gate of the plant where they were guarding.

The chief said the officers were shot at around 2.00am and the bandits, suspected to be from the neighboring Turkana County, escaped with their firearms.

"A fierce battle ensued between the two groups before the KPRs were killed. They took a G3 gun which had 30 bullets and AK47, which had 20 bullets," he said.

Korikimul added that the raiders, who were eight in number, escaped  to Lorogon village in the neighbouring county.

Leaders from the West Pokot County have condemned the attack and asked the government to ensure the culprits are arrested and prosecuted.

Led by Kacheliba MP Mark Lomunokol, they asked security team to investigate the incident and ensure the government firearms are handed back to the government.

Lomunokol asked the government to beef up security in the area to prevent any retaliatory attacks.