Two children killed as raiders attack village

By Robert Kiplagat

Two children were shot dead and two others seriously injured after rustlers attacked three villages in the volatile Marigat District.

During the Wednesday night incident, the raiders also stole about 1,000 livestock. The residents of Arabal village who spoke to The Standard said the incident happened at around 9pm when most of the locals had gone to sleep.

BRUTALLY MURDERED

The father of the children Mr Jacob Ruto tearfully narrated how his sons, aged 10 and 12, were murdered. He said his family had retired to bed when they heard gunshots, prompting them to scamper for safety.

“We heard about ten shots. We tried to escape but the children were not lucky as two of them were shot dead. Another child suffered injuries on the leg while their mother was shot in the hand,” said Ruto.

Ruto said he later returned and found the two boys, who were Standard Five and Six pupils at Kapindasum Primary Schools, lying in a pool of blood with several bullet wounds on their heads and chest.

He said the raiders stole all his 183 goats and 21 sheep and unknown number of livestock from six other households.

“We as the residents are angry because the security personnel only come to collect the bodies but are nowhere when called upon to fend off attackers,” he lamented.

CRICTICAL CONDITION

Area OCPD Omondi Musewe said the raiders surrounded the Administration Police camp at Arabal, as their accomplices invaded the village.

The police boss said another child was shot five times and was rushed to Marigat District Hospital where he is admitted in critical condition.

Musewe said the raiders are suspected to have entered the area through Samburu-Nyahururu route.

“We have added reinforcement and the Provincial Administration requested a chopper which we are using to trace the suspects as well as to track the stolen livestock,” he added.

Local leaders lerd by Arabal Ward councilor Kimunyan Meja called on the Internal Security Minister Katoo Ole Metito to provide a lasting solution to the persistent cattle raids in the area.