Mutilated body of man recovered from River Turkwel

Shock gripped residents of Songok area in West Pokot County after the mutilated body of a man was found in River Turkwel on Tuesday evening.

The body was found by locals who had gone to fetch water from the river following heavy downpour.

Songok Chief Joseph Korkimul suspected that the body was swept downstream by raging waters after the rains.

"We don't know the identity of the person since no one has reported a missing person in the area," said Chief Korkimul.

"We immediately informed the police, who came and took the body for further investigations."

The body had multiple injuries, and authorities suspect it may have hit rocks or debris as it was swept by strong currents in the river.

Police have launched investigations to establish the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding his death.

The body was removed to Kapenguria County Referral Hospital Mortuary pending postmortem and identification.

Locals have been urged to report any missing persons to help identify the body.

Recently, West Pokot leaders condemned the killing of Catholic priest Father Alois Cheruiyot, during a peace mission.

During a thanksgiving ceremony at St Mary's Cheptulel Girls, West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto, and Woman Representative Rael Aleutum called for a joint security operation to eradicate the criminals.

Governor Kachapin urged residents to reject retaliatory attacks and cooperate with security agencies.

"We must not allow criminals to reverse the gains we have made in peacebuilding. If someone has committed a crime, they should be held accountable individually. We must not tarnish the name of an entire community," he said.