Gang kills two, injure 17 in Busia

By Cyrus Ombati

Busia, Kenya: At least two people were killed and 17 injured after unknown assailants attacked a village in Teso in Busia County.

Police and survivors said the attackers were about 10 and were moving from one home to the other attacking villagers.

The attack took place at Akobwait village in Kwangamoru location, Busia County, police said.

Western police boss Wilfred Ombaba who visited the village on Wednesday morning said one suspect was arrested.

 “The suspect was identified by the survivors and he is under interrogation to know the motive of the attack,” said Ombaba on the phone.

Villagers said four of those admitted in hospital were in critical condition after being hacked by crude weapons.

Witnesses say the gang armed with crude weapons raided the village shortly after midnight and moved from one house to another. 

Residents pointed an accusing finger at the police for failing to protect them and that the first team of officers arrived after gang had terrorized them and left.

 The injured are being treated at Busia District Hospital with some of them having been discharged.

The incident is the latest coming few days after another gang attacked three villages in the neighbouring County, Bungoma.  At least 100 people were injured in the attack.

 Ombaba said contingents of police officers have been moved to the villages in Busia and Bungoma to investigate both incidents.

Leaders of Bungoma and Busia Counties have condemned the attacks and urged security agencies to tame them and bring those responsible to book.