Children killed in bandit attack at Loiyangalani

Marsabit Senator Godana Hargura talks to press at the Kenyatta National Hospital where nine casualties of which were two children,five mothers and two men who were airlifted by the Red Cross from Loiyangalani attacks for bullet wounds injuries as one lost his life while being rushed to the hospital.[PHOTO: DAVID GICHURU/STANDARD]

Marsabit, Kenya: Police are investigating a bandit attack at a secluded village near Larachi in Loiyangalani carried out on Monday night.

According to Senator Godana Hargura (pictured) and local politician David Timado, the attackers struck at 11p.m. killed seven children, and injured another while they slept, and stole some goats before escaping.

However, speaking to The Standard, County Police Commander Bernard Kogo said he has received reports that six children were killed.

He said the bodies, which would help ascertain exact number of those dead, are yet to be collected adding that officers had already left for the village.

Spill over

Mr Kogo said the officers are divided into two groups with one set to visit the scene while the other pursues the raiders.

The incident comes a day after 14 people were killed in two separate incidents in Baragoi, Samburu North, following a clash between rival Samburu and Turkana herdsmen.

Mr Harugura and Mr imado have linked the Loiyangalani killings to the conflict in Baragoi.

"The attacked manyatta is inhabited by Rendille pastoralists. These bandits appear intent on involving those who are not part of the conflict in Baragoi," Harugura said.

The senator said Loiyangalani has, for most of this year, been bearing the brunt of the Baragoi conflict and called on security personnel to contain the situation.

"Turkana and Samburu running from Baragoi cross over to their kin in Marsabit where they come to cause havoc," he said.

Kogo acknowledged Harugura's assertions adding that police have beefed up security to contain the situation.

"Police are aware of the spill-over from Baragoi and our officers based in South Horr, Loiyangalani and Mt Kulal are on the lookout," he said.