Youth torch 24 houses in revenge mission

Property of unknown value was destroyed when 24 houses were torched in a revenge mission in Kessom village, Marakwet East.

Angry youths set the houses on fire to avenge an attack on their relative, who died after he was shot with an arrow. The 31-year-old victim died at Kapsowar Mission Hospital where he was admitted after the attack on Monday.

His relatives raided the suspected attacker's homestead and torched his houses alongside those of his family.

Kessom Assistant Chief Edwin Kemboi said the victim was shot by a neighbour after a disagreement.

“The suspect turned himself in at Kapyego AP Camp after committing the offence. The police are still interrogating him to find out what happened between him and the victim,” said Mr Kemboi.

He said angry villagers burnt four houses belonging to the suspect’s relatives on Monday night and launched more attacks the next day, razing 20 others.

"We tried to plead with the youths to abandon their mission but they wouldn't listen. They were furious and wanted to lynch the suspect. No one would stand in their way," said the chief.

Marakwet West OCPD Apollo Onyonyi said more police officers had been sent to the area to restore order.

He said those involved in the destruction of property would be arrested and charged.

Drinking spree

This came barely two days after angry villagers torched an unknown number of houses in Kasui village after a man shot dead his friend following a drinking spree.

Christopher Komen, 27, shot Raymond Chesir, 35, after a disagreement. Mr Komen shot his victim three times, killing him on the spot in the Sunday evening incident.

Residents said a number of local youths retaliated by going to the suspect's compound and setting houses ablaze.