Youths attack trio over 'rustling' in Nakuru

Amos Kibet, 22, one of the victims of the attack recuperating at Nakuru Level Five Hospital. [Harun Wathari, Standard]

Three people were yesterday attacked and seriously injured by armed youths in Logoman forest.

The three were grazing livestock in the forest when about 100 youths armed with arrows attacked them yesterday at around 9.30am. The victims were taken to the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital where they are still admitted. 

Two of the herders had arrows lodged in their bodies, while one sustained multiple injuries.

Dr Kennedy Owino said two of them were taken to theatre, while one was being monitored in the ward.

"Two of the victims received at the facility had arrows lodged in the abdomen and hand and another got several deep cuts. They were bleeding profusely on admission," said the doctor.

According to the locals, the attack is linked to an incident where 12 cows were stolen last Thursday at the border of Narok and Nakuru counties.

Deep cuts

During the attack, irate youths armed with crude weapons and arrows directed the three to surrender the animals they were grazing.

"A group of youths approached us and demanded to have their livestock back. They claimed the animals we were grazing had been stolen," said Amos Kibet, one of the victims.

Kibet sustained deep cuts on his face, head and hands.

Speaking to The Standard from his hospital bed, Mr Kibet said the youths told them they would not rest until their animals were recovered.

Area Member of County Assembly Philip Rotich said tension has been building up in the area for the past one week following a cattle rustling incident.

“Security should be intensified in the area and all the suspects arrested,” he said.

Nakuru Deputy Governor Erick Korir asked the police to conduct investigations and arrest criminals behind the attack.